samsara etymology

Etymology

The word "samsara" comes from the Sanskrit word "saṃsāra," which is derived from the roots:

  • saṃ-: Connotes "together" or "with"
  • sṛ: Meaning "to flow, to move"

Therefore, "saṃsāra" literally means "flowing together" or "moving together."

Meaning

In Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism, samsara refers to the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth that beings undergo. It is a concept that encompasses:

  • Endless Cycle: Samsara is viewed as an unending process, with no fixed beginning or end. Beings are continually reincarnated into various forms of existence based on their past actions (karma).
  • Suffering: Samsara is inherently characterized by suffering and dissatisfaction. Existence in the material world is seen as a source of pain, impermanence, and delusion.
  • Impermanence: All aspects of samsara, including material possessions, relationships, and the body itself, are constantly changing and subject to decay.

Origin

The concept of samsara originated in ancient India. It is thought to have emerged from early beliefs about the transmigration of souls and the law of karma. In various traditions, samsara has been interpreted and elaborated upon differently, but it remains a fundamental concept that shapes the spiritual and philosophical perspectives of these religions.

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