Transmigration of souls refers to the belief or doctrine that the souls of living beings, including humans, undergo a series of successive rebirths or transmigrations into different physical bodies or forms after death. Also known as reincarnation, it is a fundamental concept in various religious and philosophical traditions, most notably Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and certain schools of ancient Greek thought.
According to the transmigration of souls belief, each soul is considered eternal and distinct from the physical body it inhabits. After death, the soul separates from the body and enters into a new one, either immediately or after a period of transition in a different realm or state of existence. The specific circumstances of the next birth or transmigration are believed to be influenced by the moral and spiritual qualities developed in past lives, a concept commonly known as karma.
This notion implies that every individual has had previous lives and will continue to have future lives until a state of spiritual liberation or enlightenment, often associated with the concept of moksha or nirvana, is achieved. The transmigration of souls provides a framework for understanding the continuance of consciousness beyond physical death and the opportunities for personal growth and spiritual evolution through various lifetimes.
The belief in the transmigration of souls has deeply shaped religious and philosophical systems, influencing concepts of morality, social hierarchy, and the pursuit of spiritual perfection. It offers a perspective on the nature of existence and the ultimate purpose of life, as individuals seek to break the cycle of rebirth and attain liberation from the cycle of transmigration to unite with a higher, transcendent reality.
