Significance of Circle of Births
The Circle of Births in Jainism represents the ongoing cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, commonly referred to as samsara. It encompasses the experiences of the soul influenced by karma and signifies the suffering associated with this cycle. Individuals are trapped in this continuous loop until they achieve liberation through spiritual practice and mindfulness. The concept emphasizes the cyclical nature of existence, where beings must transcend their attachments and desires to escape this cycle and attain Moksha.
Synonyms: Cycle of reincarnation, Cycle of rebirth, Wheel of life, Samsara, Transmigration
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Jain concept of 'Circle of Births'
The Circle of Births in Jainism symbolizes the endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara) influenced by karma. Individuals are trapped unless they escape through rigorous spiritual practices aimed at achieving liberation (Moksha).
From: Sutrakritanga (English translation)
(1) The cycle of birth and rebirth (samsara) that is recognized as a reality in spiritual teachings.[1] (2) Refers to the cycle of life and reincarnation from which one seeks liberation, symbolically addressed in the narrative.[2] (3) A concept indicating the cyclical nature of existence where beings transition between immovable and movable forms.[3] (4) The continuous cycle of life and rebirth that involves suffering based on the actions taken in past lives.[4] (5) The continuous cycle of rebirth that a person undergoes, typically connected to the concept of karma and the consequences of one's actions in past lives.[5]
From: Uttaradhyayana Sutra
(1) The cyclical process of birth and rebirth that Living Beings are subject to until they achieve liberation.[6] (2) The cyclical nature of life and death, from which a sage strives to be released through the practice of austerities.[7] (3) The continuous cycle of birth and rebirth that adherents of the law seek to escape.[8] (4) A cycle through which the soul repeatedly experiences life, influenced by different types of Karman.[9] (5) The Circle of Births symbolizes the cycle of death and rebirth that a sage aims to transcend through careful practice of the creed.[10]