In Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism, what belief is shared about the soul's journey?

• A. Reincarnation (rebirth) and karma influence future lives.
• B. Eternal life after death.
• C. Only one life with judgment.
• D. No afterlife.

Answer: (A)

Rebirth driven by karma shapes the soul’s journey in these traditions. Life continues after death in a cycle called samsara, and the next existence is influenced by the actions one has taken in prior lives. In Hinduism, the enduring self (the atman) moves from one life to another, carrying karma toward liberation. In Jainism, the jiva accumulates karma that binds it to many incarnations until it reaches moksha. In Buddhism, rebirth and karma are also central, but without a permanent self; the continuity is about processes that lead toward ending suffering and the cycle. The shared idea is that one life isn’t the end, and actions determine future lives, guiding the soul toward liberation. The other options describe eternal afterlife, a single life with judgment, or no afterlife, which don’t fit how these traditions view existence across lives.