Penance

The dharma literature gave considerable attention to penance and expiation,
based on the almost universal Hindu
belief in the inexorable workings of
karma. According to this notion, all
good and bad deeds would eventually
have their effect, either in this life or the
next. Penances were a way to lessen the
future consequences of one’s past misdeeds, by undergoing voluntary suffering and expiation in one’s present life.
See prayashchitta.