In Buddhism, what belief is held regarding the cycle of life?

In Buddhism, the belief in reincarnation is central to understanding the cycle of life. This concept, known as samsara, refers to the continuous cycle of birth, death, and rebirth that all sentient beings experience. According to Buddhist teachings, when a person dies, their consciousness does not simply cease to exist but instead is reborn in a new form based on the accumulated karma from previous lives. This cycle continues until one achieves enlightenment, thereby breaking free from samsara and attaining nirvana, which represents liberation from suffering.

Reincarnation emphasizes the interconnectedness of existence and the moral implications of one's actions (karma) in shaping future experiences. This belief influences various aspects of a Buddhist's life, guiding them to live ethically and mindfully in the present to influence their future rebirths positively.

Other concepts such as salvation, asceticism, and dualism may have relevance in different philosophical or religious contexts, but they do not accurately capture the specific understanding of the life cycle as defined by Buddhist principles of reincarnation.