Final answer:
In Buddhism, samsara represents the cycle of rebirth and suffering that individuals are subject to until they attain nirvana. This is achieved by understanding the Four Noble Truths, practicing the Eightfold Path, and overcoming desires.
Step-by-step explanation:
Buddhist Concept of Samsara
Buddhism presents a distinctive approach to the notion of samsara as compared to traditional Brahmanism. Contrary to the Brahmanic belief in an eternal soul (Atman) and a universal reality (Brahman), Buddhism introduces the concept of anatman, which is essentially the denial of a permanent self.
This idea is tied closely to the Buddhist teaching of dependent origination, which postulates that all phenomena arise in dependence on causes and conditions, reflecting a causal continuity from past to future, without an enduring essence.
The Buddhist path to liberation from samsara involves understanding and internalizing the Four Noble Truths and practicing the Eightfold Path. Through this practice, individuals can overcome the suffering inherent in samsara and attain nirvana, a state of ultimate peace achieved through the extinction of all desire.
The cyclical nature of samsara means that without reaching nirvana, beings are subject to continuous rebirth and the associated suffering. Buddhism emphasizes personal responsibility and moral living as means to navigate out of the cycles of samsara and to achieve enlightenment.