behave, to conduct oneself (achara), not what opinion, what views (vichara) to hold and cherish. Taking this into account, as also the fact that many Hindus and Sikhs believe in reincarnartion, it still remains questionable that the defining characteristic of a Hindu or a Sikh is a belief in reincarnation.
Reincarnation, however is ingrained in Buddhism with its credo of cycle of rebirths, and ultimately the Nirvana. About Nirvana, the most succinct way of defining it is to say that nothing can be said about it, as undefinable as the
brahman (different from brahmin) in advaita vedanta of the Hindus. The Buddha said that our actions are responsible for our happiness and sorrow. The core of our experience is in our past actions. Bad actions lead to grief and sorrow in the future, while good behaviour ensures happiness and fulfilment in time to come. The doctrine of karma or kamma, according to the Buddha, is that nobody can avoid the responsibility for what they do. Actions could be wholesome (kusala) or they could be unwholesome (akusala). There has to be some intent behind all actions, and actions causing hurt to someone are not morally wrong. All actions end in some kind of conclusions, which could be in this life or the next, says the Buddha. Linked to this is the concept of rebirth or existence in some other realm not human. Six realms are mentioned : Hell, the realm of the hungry ghosts, the animal world, the human realm, the abode of the jealous gods and the heavens. A person is reborn in one of these realms depnding on one’s past actions. It is the human realm which offers the opportunity for enlightenment, and therefore the best realm to be born into. The Buddha emphasised that the individual soul does not move
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