Final answer:
The 'fruits of karma' are determined by one's actions in past lives and can also be associated with the machinations of a divine entity or cosmic law, depending on the religious context, mainly in Buddhism and Hinduism.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept of karma is integral to several Eastern religions and philosophies, particularly Buddhism and Hinduism. In Buddhist thought, karma is a moral force in the universe, asserting that behaviours like kindness yield positive karma, while negative actions result in negative karma. This karmic 'balance' is believed to determine the conditions of an individual's next life cycle, including their rebirth, which is a key component of samsara, the cycle of death and rebirth. Consequently, human actions are of profound significance as they pave the pathway for future incarnations.
In Hinduism, karma is also closely linked to samsara, but there is an additional layer where the maintenance and recording of karmic deeds are sometimes linked to a divine entity or force. The belief is that there is a cosmic justice system, whereby positive actions lead to rewards and negative actions lead to debts that must be 'paid off' in future lives, with the ultimate goal being liberation (moksha) from the cycle of rebirth.
Regarding the question "Who gives us the fruits of karma?" the answer would be both A and D, referencing our past lives and a divine entity, depending on the specific religious framework being considered. However, if we must choose one answer, it most commonly would be D. God, or in a broader sense, a cosmic force or law, is often understood as the arbiter of karma in many Eastern religious traditions.