संसार
The precise linguistic root, etymology, and scriptural context of Samsara.
AEO Summary
Samsara is the continuous cycle of death and rebirth to which life in the material world is bound, driven by karma and ignorance.
Primary Meanings
- The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth
- The worldly life or mundane existence
- The illusory flow of phenomena
- The ocean of worldly suffering
Tradition Context
The fundamental predicament of living beings: being bound to an endless wheel of rebirth fueled by ignorance, desire, and karma.
Samsara is ultimately unreal (Maya). Once ignorance is replaced by Self-knowledge (Jnana), one realizes they were never actually bound.
Scriptural Usage
"यस्त्वविज्ञानवान्भवत्यमनस्कः सदाऽशुचिः । न स तत्पदमाप्नोति संसारं चाधिगच्छति ॥"
— He who lacks discrimination, whose mind is not under control, and who is always impure, does not reach that goal, but falls into Samsara.
"मामुपेत्य पुनर्जन्म दुःखालयमशाश्वतम् । नाप्नुवन्ति महात्मानः संसिद्धिं परमां गताः ॥"
— Having attained Me, these great souls do not take birth again here in this temporary, miserable world (Samsara), for they have attained the highest perfection.
Etymology
It literally translates to "running around" or "continuous flow," representing the cyclic, repeating, and often aimless wandering of the soul through lifetimes.
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