Cyclical Nature
Religious Studies: KS3, topic 2.2.12
Cyclical Nature
Time is cyclical
- In Hindu Dharma, time is cyclical.
- Time moves in a circle, not a straight line.
- The universe goes through infinite cycles of creation, preservation, and destruction.
- After destruction, creation begins again.
- The cycle never ends.
- The cycle of time shows that change and renewal are natural parts of the universe.
- This idea is shown through the Trimurti.
Kalpa
- Each complete cycle is called a kalpa, which lasts for billions of years.
- During each kalpa, the world is created, maintained, destroyed, and then reborn.
- Nature has the same pattern.
- For example: day and night, seasons, and life and death.
- Nothing lasts forever, but everything continues in a new form.
- Hindus believe that life, death, and rebirth are all connected.
Samsara
- The cosmic cycle of time is like the cycle of life for every soul, called samsara.
- Samsara means the continuous cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.
- The soul (Atman) is reborn in different forms depending on karma (a person’s actions).
- Good actions bring good karma, leading to a better rebirth.
- The goal of Hindu life is to break free from samsara and reach moksha (freedom for the soul).
Test yourself on Cyclical Nature
What does it mean when Hindus say that time is cyclical?
What does samsara mean?
What is the goal for Hindus who want to escape samsara?