reincarnation

Reincarnation is the religious, philosophical, or spiritual belief that a living being's consciousness or soul persists after death and begins a new life in a different form or body. It is often tied to cyclical time and the idea of karma, in which the actions of previous lives influence future existences. The term is frequently used to refer to the Indian concept of samsara, the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.

In Hinduism, atman is understood to endure beyond death and rebirth occurs until moksha is attained, breaking the cycle. Jainism emphasizes the jiva, a soul that accumulates karma and is reborn until liberation through ethical living and knowledge. Buddhism teaches anatta, or non-self, but posits rebirth: a stream of consciousness continues from one life to the next shaped by karma, without a permanent soul; the goal is liberation from cyclic existence (nirvana). Sikhism accepts reincarnation as part of the mortal cycle but emphasizes mukti achieved through devotion to God and righteous living. Other traditions, such as certain forms of Theosophy, Spiritism, and various New Age movements, have framed reincarnation as a universal law of soul evolution.

Scholars debate the historical origins and cross-cultural diffusion of reincarnation ideas; in many modern contexts, beliefs are analyzed as part of religion, culture, or personal identity. Empirical evidence for past lives is not recognized by mainstream science, and reports of past-life memories or regression therapies are contested, often attributed to memory, suggestion, or fantasy.

Reincarnation remains a central motif in many religious systems and is sometimes used to explain moral consequences, life purpose, or the nature of self. Variants describe countless realms or conditions into which souls may be reborn, depending on karma and spiritual development.