The belief in reincarnation or rebirth is maintained by which tradition?

• A. Islam
• B. Buddhism
• C. Hinduism
• D. Christianity

Answer: (B)

In Buddhism, the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara) is central. Beings keep entering new lives driven by karma—the actions and intentions from past lives shape future existences. The goal is to awaken and reach Nirvana, which ends this cycle of rebirth. This emphasis on moving through multiple lives and escaping the cycle is what makes Buddhism the tradition most closely associated with rebirth in this context. Hinduism also teaches rebirth, but Buddhism frames it within a distinct view—there isn’t a permanent self passing on, only a stream of karma and mental factors that continues—so the focus is on liberation from the cycle itself. Islam and Christianity do not teach rebirth as a mainstream doctrine.