samsara

American  

[suhm-sahr-uh] / səmˈsɑr ə /

noun

1. Buddhism. the process of coming into existence as a differentiated, mortal creature.

2. Hinduism. the endless series of births, deaths, and rebirths to which all beings are subject.

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samsara British  

/ səmˈsɑːrə /

noun

1. Hinduism the endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth

2. Buddhism the transmigration or rebirth of a person

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Etymology

Origin of samsara

First recorded in 1885–90, samsara is from the Sanskrit word samsāra literally, running together

Example Sentences

And not only like humans: In the cycle of life known as samsara, your consciousness, or that of a loved one, might have once been born in animal form.

From New York Times

In short, human beings dwell, as the Buddhists say, in the realm of samsara, bound to a repeated cycle of desire and suffering.

From Washington Post

“No words in any language can pin down exactly how life and death function. The closest we can come is by explaining samsara. Are you familiar with the concept?” asked Wish.

From Literature

Buddhists believe that as part of the samsara life and death cycle, dogs and cats – as well as elephants and horses – can potentially be reincarnated as humans.

From The Guardian

Helen Rumbelow in the Times called it "truly brilliant": "It's 'groundhog life', or samsara, depending on your low or highbrow preferences".

From The Guardian