Hinduism & Buddhism: Nature and Purpose of Human Existence

What is karma in Hinduism?

Karma is the principle that actions have consequences that influence a person's future experiences and rebirths.

What is samsara in Hinduism?

Samsara is the cycle of birth, death and rebirth.

What is moksha?

Moksha is liberation from samsara and union with or realisation of ultimate reality.

What is reincarnation in Hinduism?

Reincarnation is the rebirth of the individual after death into another form of existence, influenced by karma.

What is atman?

Atman refers to the self or soul and is understood in many Hindu traditions as the true spiritual self.

What is dharma in Hinduism?

Dharma is one's moral, religious and social duty or right way of living.

What is rebirth in Buddhism?

Rebirth is the continuation of existence through samsara as a result of causes and conditions, particularly craving and karma.

What is karma in Buddhism?

Karma refers particularly to intentional actions that produce consequences affecting future experiences and rebirth.

What is dharma in Buddhism?

Dharma refers to the Buddha's teachings and the way of living that leads towards liberation.

What is samsara in Buddhism?

Samsara is the cycle of birth, death and rebirth characterised by suffering (dukkha).

What is nirvana?

Nirvana is liberation from suffering, craving and the cycle of samsara.

What is anatta?

Anatta is the Buddhist teaching that there is no permanent, unchanging self or soul.

What are the five aggregates?

The five aggregates are form, sensation, perception, mental formations and consciousness. Together they explain the components of human existence.

What are the Four Noble Truths?

The Four Noble Truths teach that suffering exists, suffering has a cause, suffering can cease, and the Eightfold Path leads to its cessation.

What are the Five Precepts?

The Five Precepts are commitments to refrain from killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, false speech and intoxicants.