<P> Karma (/ ˈkɑːrmə /; Sanskrit: कर्म, translit . karma, IPA: (ˈkərmə) (listen); Pali: kamma) means action, work or deed; it also refers to the spiritual principle of cause and effect where intent and actions of an individual (cause) influence the future of that individual (effect). Good intent and good deed contribute to good karma and future happiness, while bad intent and bad deed contribute to bad karma and future suffering . Karma is closely associated with the idea of rebirth in many schools of Indian religions . In these schools, karma in the present affects one's future in the current life, as well as the nature and quality of future lives - one's saṃsāra . </P> <P> With origins in ancient India, karma is a key concept in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, and Taoism . </P> <P> Karma is the executed "deed", "work", "action", or "act", and it is also the "object", the "intent". Wilhelm Halbfass explains karma (karman) by contrasting it with another Sanskrit word kriya . The word kriya is the activity along with the steps and effort in action, while karma is (1) the executed action as a consequence of that activity, as well as (2) the intention of the actor behind an executed action or a planned action (described by some scholars as metaphysical residue left in the actor). A good action creates good karma, as does good intent . A bad action creates bad karma, as does bad intent . </P>

Where does the concept of karma come from