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.
He accepted his karmic retribution.
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.