samsara

[ suhm-sahr-uh ]

noun

1. Buddhism. the process of coming into existence as a differentiated, mortal creature. Compare nirvana ( def 1 ).
2. Hinduism. the endless series of births, deaths, and rebirths to which all beings are subject. Compare nirvana ( def 2 ).

samsara

/ səmˈsɑːrə /

noun

1. Hinduism the endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth
2. Buddhism the transmigration or rebirth of a person

Word History and Origins

Origin of samsara¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of samsara¹

Sanskrit, literally: a passing through, from sam altogether + sarati it runs

Example Sentences

Extending this irony, the affluence of the TED crowd is a good part of what the Buddha meant by samsara, the world of craving, grasping, clinging, and consequent suffering.

From Salon

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