A Vital Matters Perspective: Saṃsāra as the Condition of Living in the World

Saṃsāra as the Condition of Living in the World

Saṃsāra, in the Jain tradition, represents the condition of being trapped in the cycle of death and rebirth, driven by passions and desires. Even beyond literal reincarnation, it can be understood as the attachments and actions that define our lives—how desire leads to action, and action shapes our conduct. This ethical cycle reflects what it means to live in the world and highlights the challenge of breaking free from it.

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1 ARTWORK

Guatama's Pilgrimage to Ashtapada

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Chod pata of Guatama's Pilgrimage to Ashtapada

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Guatama's Pilgrimage to Ashtapada

Unidentified artist(s)

Chod pata of Guatama's Pilgrimage to Ashtapada

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Guatama's Pilgrimage to Ashtapada

Unidentified artist(s)

Chod pata of Guatama's Pilgrimage to Ashtapada

p034

p035

p036

t001

t002

t003

t004

t007

v0190

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1 PERSON
headshot of Steven Vose

Steven

Vose

Assistant Professor of Jain Studies, Religious Studies, and History

University of Colorado, Denver

headshot of Steven Vose

Steven

Vose

Assistant Professor of Jain Studies, Religious Studies, and History

University of Colorado, Denver

headshot of Steven Vose

Steven

Vose

Assistant Professor of Jain Studies, Religious Studies, and History

University of Colorado, Denver

Copyright © 2025 Fowler Museum.

All Rights Reserved.

Copyright © 2025 Fowler Museum.

All Rights Reserved.

Copyright © 2025 Fowler Museum.

All Rights Reserved.