retribution across three temporal worlds
Buddhist concept that one's actions in past, present, and future lives are interconnected and bring corresponding consequences. Often used in the phrase 三世因果の道理.
According to the concept of retribution across three worlds, present actions are said to produce future results.
因果応報 is a more general term for karmic retribution, while 三世因果 specifically emphasizes the three temporal worlds (past, present, future).
From 三世 (three temporal worlds: past, present, future) and 因果 (cause and effect, karma). A Buddhist term describing the law of karma across lifetimes.