In Hindu Philosophy and some Indian religions, samskaras or sanskaras (Sanskrit: संस्कार) are mental impressions, recollections, or psychological imprints that forms the basis for the development of karma theory.
[3][4] According to various schools of Indian philosophy, every action, intent or preparation by an individual leaves a samskara (impression, impact, imprint) in the deeper structure of the person's mind.
[2] These impressions then await volitional fruition in that individual's future, in the form of hidden expectations, circumstances or a subconscious sense of self-worth.
[2][5] In ancient Indian texts, the theory of Samskara explains how and why human beings remember things, and the effect that memories have on people's suffering, happiness and contentment.
[2][6] The Sanskrit word saṃskāra (संस्कार) has various context-driven meanings that broadly refer to "the putting together, accomplishing well, making perfect, a form of solemn recognition and getting ready" and "mental impression, recollection".
[6] In Hindu philosophy, Samskara are the impressions and dispositions that develop and accumulate deep inside a person from perception, inference, choices, preparation, practice, interaction with others, thoughts, intent, willful actions and such karma.
[6] Ian Whicher explains that, in the philosophical theories of Hinduism, every karma (action, intent) leaves a samskara (impression, impact, imprint) in the deeper structure of human mind.
[2][5][15] In Samkhya and Yoga schools, Sankhara, also spelled as Samskara, are impressions or residues that affect an individual's Gunas (behavior attributes).
[10] These impressions constitute part of the mechanistic foundation behind ancient Indian scholars' explanation on how karma theory works in practice.
[2] These tendencies, subtle traces and innate characteristics, states the Yoga school, continue to affect the person's present actions, assumptions, attitudes (bhava), mind (buddhi), moral response and interactions with everyone, everything and self.
[24] The activities of mind, speech and body, according to Jain philosophy, lead to Asrava, that is, the influx and imprint of karmic residues to the jiva (soul) of the living being.
[25] The rituals and rites of passage, called Samskara in Jainism, are part of the saṃvara and nirjara initiation process, in order to free the soul from the crust of karmic residues.