𝐒 𝐀 𝐌 𝐒 𝐀 𝐑 𝐀

The whole process of rebirth, called "Saṃsāra", is cyclic, with no clear beginning or end, & encompasses lives of perpetual, serial attachments. Actions generated by desire & appetite bind one’s spirit (jiva) to an endless series of births & deaths. Desire motivates any social interaction (particularly when involving sex or food), resulting in the mutual exchange of good & bad karma. In one prevalent view, the very meaning of salvation is emancipation (moksha) from this morass, an escape from the impermanence that is an inherent feature of mundane existence. In this view the only goal is the one permanent & eternal principle: the One, God, Brahman, which is totally opposite to phenomenal existence. People who have not fully realized this are thus seen as deluded. Fortunately, the very structure of human experience teaches the ultimate identity between brahman & atman. One may learn this lesson by realizing one’s essential sameness with all living beings.

Art by Diana @dianapugach