The Sanskrit word karma means "actions" or "deeds." As a religious term, karma refers to intentional actions that affect one's fortunes in this life and the next. The concept of karma or "law of karma" is the broader principle that all of life is governed by a system of cause and effect, action and reaction, in which one's deeds have corresponding effects on the future. Karma is a way of explaining evil and misfortune in the world. It is believed that misfortune must be due to wrong actions in previous life. Every time we think or do something, we create a cause, which in time will bear its corresponding effects. According to the ways of life chosen by a person, his karma can be classified into three kinds. The satvik karma , which is without attachment, selfless and for the benefit of others; the rajasik karma , which is selfish where the focus is on gains for oneself; and the tamasik karma , which is undertaken without heed to consequences, and is supremely selfish and savage.