Karma is regarded as the cosmic law of justice. It is considered to be the determining factor of what one's hereafter becomes.
I was first introduced to Karma in 2008 as an 100 Level Philosophy student. It was a topic under Hinduism and Buddhism.
Karma in Buddhism refers to human action driven by intention. These actions lead to future consequences.
Karma works hand-in-hand with Samsara. Samsara is the cycle of birth, death and rebirth. Human Samsara is determined by his action while on earth.
Karma, being a cosmic law of justice, is neither bad nor good. In fact, human beings determine what their karma would be.
Logically, a good karma result into a good rebirth and a bad one result into a bad rebirth.
So in Buddhism, it is believed that if you do bad, karma will ensure you are reborn as a lesser creature. It could be animal, flower or things.
To have a bad karma is to do something contrary to natural law. This could be killing, stealing, cheating, lying, etc. Karma makes sure these deeds are paid accordingly.
So a bad person already called Samsara upon himself. This makes sure the person is reborn and rewarded badly for his actions.
So people literally believe that nothing is done for nothing. Any bad or evil thing you do, is believed to have it own reward. So people have this peace within them that you will be paid your reward by karma.
A good karma on the other hand ensures that your rebirth is a good one. You come back as a better person and probably into a wealthy home.
If you help those in need, widows, beggars. If you are hospitable, give alms and provide shelter for those who need it, karma will reward you accordingly.
Since Karma is believed not to be biased, it gives people peace of heart knowing fully well that to every action comes its reward.
So Samsara (cycle of rebirth) make sure every karma follows the pattern of birth, death and rebirth.
This cycle of Samsara can be broken but to do that one needs to attain the state of Nirvana.
In Buddhism, Nirvana is seen as the ultimate goal, the blowing out and quenching.
This is possible if one kills every desire which result into Samsara. Doing this, the cycle will be broken and one would be free from Samsara.
So if we remove it from the Buddhist angle, we know that bad action has its own reward and so also good action.
We must do good to entice good karma to our side. A good karma ensures that the new life is better than the former. So do good to enjoy good karma while you are still on earth.
Thanks for your time.