noun
karmic retribution; fate; inevitable consequence
Buddhist term for the effects of one's past actions, often implying unavoidable suffering or destiny. Used in serious or philosophical contexts.
彼は自分の業報を受け入れた。
He accepted his karmic retribution.
これは前世の業報かもしれない。
This might be the karmic consequence of a past life.
From Buddhist terminology, combining 業 (ごう, 'karma' or 'action') and 報 (ほう, 'retribution' or 'recompense'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the term is firmly rooted in Buddhist doctrine.