Assessment of Religious Knowledge (ARK) Practice Exam

In Hinduism, 'samsara' and 'moksha' are fundamental concepts that describe crucial aspects of the spiritual journey. 'Samsara' refers to the continuous cycle of birth, life, death, and rebirth, which souls go through as they experience various lives in different forms. This cycle is characterized by the accumulation of karma, which influences the circumstances of future incarnations.

On the other hand, 'moksha' symbolizes liberation from this cycle of samsara. It represents the ultimate goal of human existence in Hindu philosophy, achieved when an individual transcends the material reality and realizes their true self (Atman) as one with the ultimate reality (Brahman). This liberation frees the soul from the constraints of physical existence and the bondage of karma.

Therefore, the choice indicating 'the cycle of life and liberation from it' accurately captures the essence of these two concepts in Hindu belief. Within this framework, achieving moksha is seen as an end to the suffering and limitations of samsara, marking a state of eternal peace and bliss.