संसार
Samsara
(saṃsāra)The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth; the world of continuous change
Full Meaning
Saṃsāra is the continuous cycle of existence — birth, life, death, and rebirth — driven by karma and desire. The word literally means "flowing together" or "wandering through." Every soul is caught in saṃsāra until karma is exhausted and moksha (liberation) is achieved. The Buddhist concept of samsara is closely related.
Etymology
From sam (together, completely) + √sṛ (to flow, to move). That which flows and moves continuously — the stream of existence.
Usage in Sanskrit Texts
The goal of Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain philosophy is to break free from saṃsāra. Different paths prescribe different methods — knowledge (jñāna), devotion (bhakti), action (karma yoga), or renunciation.
The world is saṃsāra — ever-changing, never finally satisfying, driving the soul toward liberation.
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