Introduction Hinduism and Buddhism are the major religions in India. The religions enjoy a huge following and have very many specific beliefs that guide their followers. Buddhism is the development of Hinduism. Thus it contains some beliefs that can be compared to Hinduism. Despite this, its beliefs take a different direction in some instances. The two religions share similar beliefs regarding the concept of rebirth and Samsara, although differences exist when the two concepts are considered beyond the surface. In Hinduism, the Upanishads and ancient Vedic hymns describe a universal deity known as Brahman. Being considered omnipresent, this deity conveys a sense of immanence. Similarities The concept of Samsara is a Hinduism belief relating to what happens to humans after death. Thus, it seeks to describe how humans exist in a continuous cycle of reincarnation. This concept has its origins in the Vedas, an old scripture of Hinduism. This scripture was produced between 500BCE and 1500. Samsara refers to the processor rebirth whereby the individual is reincarnated in a succession of lives. This is based on karma, defined as a metaphysical record of an individual’s moral worth. Thus, a person is reincarnated based on their moral behavior in life. Individuals are expected to behave as expected by religious doctrines so that they can have good karma and not bad karma. Bad karma can only assure an individual that they will be reincarnated as an animal, or in a form that suits their character. The word Samsara means, ‘To flow together,’ showing how the cycles depend and follow each other. Hinduism considers this rebirth as a curse and not a blessing. Thus, it is seen as a chance for the individual who is reborn to cultivate their spirituality so that they can be released from the Samsara. In Hinduism, Samsara is compared to the caste system or Varna. In this regard, an individual can eradicate their karma and be born into a higher caste system. This means that their duty in life can change as they advance into different castes. Achieving a higher caste would also mean that the individual is closer to Moksha. The individual can then realize union with Brahman. This is where the individual can exit the cycle of rebirth. Thus, individuals within the lower caste have more requirements to realize union with Brahman. Samsara can also be compared to how Buddhists view rebirth. Buddhists also believe in karma. A difference exists in that according to Buddhists, karma results in reincarnation into one of six types of beings. These are demigods, hungry ghosts, humans, gods, animals, and hell-bound beings. Humans are the only beings that can achieve a state of Nirvana. Thus they can exit the cycle of death just as it is in Hinduism. Moreover, ignorance is also vanquished during this phase. In both Hinduism and Buddhism, the followers consider an exit from rebirth as the ultimate goal. Living entails following all the requirements of religion. This means that the individual lives a religious life all through. Moreover, the individual should play a role in society as expected by religion. While a Hindu’s main goal is to escape Samsara by fulfilling its requirements, a Buddhist seeks to escape karma by detach