samsara

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).

noun

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

n.“endless cycle of death and rebirth, transmigration of souls,” 1886, from Sanskrit samsara “a wandering through,” from sam-, prefix denoting completeness (from the root of same), + sr- “to run, glide,” from PIE root *ser- (2) “to flow” (see serum).