What is the term for the belief in the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth in Hinduism?

The concept that embodies the belief in the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth in Hinduism is known as reincarnation. This principle suggests that the soul is eternal and undergoes a continuous cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, influenced by the actions (karma) of the individual. This cycle continues until the soul achieves moksha, or liberation from the cycle of samsara (the cycle of life and death).

Understanding reincarnation is fundamental to Hindu thought, as it shapes the moral and ethical considerations within the religion. It emphasizes the consequences of one’s actions, as good or bad karma affects future existences. As such, reincarnation drives individuals to seek better lives through righteous actions, culminating in the ultimate goal of liberation from the cycle of rebirth.

In contrast, dharma represents the ethical and moral duties one must follow, and karma refers to the actions and their corresponding reactions that influence future rebirths. Moksha, on the other hand, signifies the goal of liberation from the cycle of reincarnation, thus not aligning with the notion of the continuous cycle itself.