According to Hinduism what determines how a person is reborn?
According to Hinduism, a person's rebirth is determined by their karma. Karma is the cumulative effect of a person's actions, thoughts, and intentions throughout their life. It is believed that every action performed by an individual, whether good or bad, creates a karmic imprint. These imprints determine the future circumstances of an individual, including their rebirth.
Hinduism teaches that when a person dies, their soul, known as the atman, undergoes reincarnation, taking a new physical form in another life. The specific form and circumstances of the new birth are determined by the individual's karma. Positive actions and virtues lead to a higher birth, while negative actions and vices lead to a lower birth.
Good karma can result in being reborn into a higher social class, a prosperous family, or even in the realm of gods. Conversely, bad karma can result in being reborn into a lower social class, an impoverished family, or in the lower realms of existence.
Ultimately, the purpose of Hinduism is to attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death, known as moksha. This is achieved by transcending karma through spiritual practices, self-realization, and union with the divine.