Cyclical Time
Religious Studies: KS3, topic 2.3.8
Cyclical Time
Cycles
- Buddhists believe that time is cyclical. Time does not have a beginning or an end.
- There are infinite cycles of birth, death, and rebirth for all living beings.
- Every being is reborn in different forms, depending on their karma (the effects of their actions).
- These cycles are the samsara.
- The goal of Buddhism is to escape this cycle by reaching nirvana.
- Nirvana is a state of peace and freedom from rebirth.
No beginning
- Unlike Hindu Dharma, Buddhism teaches that the cycle of time and rebirth has no beginning.
- The Buddha said that life has always existed in one form or another. Life is eternal and ever-changing.
- There was not a single moment when the universe was first created.
- Instead of asking when the cycle began, Buddhists focus on how to end suffering within this cycle.
- Buddhists value each moment of life and act with kindness and mindfulness.
Test yourself on Cyclical Time
How do Buddhists view time?
What do Buddhists believe about the beginning of time?
What do Buddhists aim to achieve to escape the cycle of samsara?
What is correct about Buddhist beliefs?