Samsara -

Views Samsara as the journey of the Atman (eternal soul) through various bodies until it achieves Moksha (liberation) by realizing its unity with Brahman (the ultimate reality).

Samsara is often visualized as a wheel () driven by the laws of Karma . Every action, intent, and thought leaves a residual imprint on the soul or consciousness. These imprints determine the nature of one’s next life—whether it be in a higher realm of pleasure or a lower realm of suffering. Samsara

In these traditions, Samsara is not considered a "second chance," but rather a state of perpetual instability and suffering ( Dukkha ). Even lives filled with joy are seen as tragic because they are impermanent. The goal of spiritual practice is not to "climb the ladder" of the cycle forever, but to step off the wheel entirely. Modern Interpretations Views Samsara as the journey of the Atman

Focuses on the "Six Realms" of existence. It teaches that Samsara is fueled by "The Three Poisons": ignorance, attachment, and aversion. Liberation is found in Nirvana , the extinguishing of these fires. The Problem of Dukkha These imprints determine the nature of one’s next

The Sanskrit word literally translates to "wandering" or "world-flowing." It represents the continuous cycle of birth, life, death, and rebirth (reincarnation) that characterizes mundane existence in Indian religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. The Mechanics of the Cycle

In a secular or psychological context, Samsara is often used as a metaphor for the repetitive, habitual patterns of the mind. It describes the "rat race" of chasing desires that never fully satisfy, leading to a life lived on "autopilot" rather than in conscious awareness.