In Buddhism, karma refers to action and result—the ongoing relationship between what we do and what unfolds. Every action of body, speech, and mind leaves an imprint. These imprints are said to be carried within the ālaya-vijñāna, or storehouse consciousness, where they remain as potential until the appropriate conditions arise.

Compassion: the noble heart that feels the suffering of another being as if it were its own and wishes for all beings to be free of suffering and its causes.