Giligol in relation to Judaism and its doctrinal similarity to Samsara in Hinduism.

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Corresponding Author, Assistant Professor, Department of Religion and Comparative Mysticism, university of Shahid Beheshti, Tehran, Iran

2 Master's student, Department of Religion and Comparative Mysticism, university of Shahid Beheshti, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

In Jewish Kabbalistic mysticism, Gilgul refers to the return of souls to the world due to past sins and their incarnation in other bodies for the purification of souls. Significant similarities can be found between this concept and the Karma-Samsara doctrine in Hinduism. Since the soteriology of Abrahamic religions is based on resurrection and the judgment of the dead, and the reception of reward and punishment in other realms, Kabbalistic Judaism, in this respect, diverges from the divine religions and approaches Eastern religions. The purpose of this research is to consult Kabbalistic sources and Hindu sacred texts in order to reveal the doctrinal commonalities between Gilgul and Samsara. To this end, this article comparatively analyzes the doctrine of reincarnation in both religions using a descriptive and analytical method. Based on the review, both doctrines are an exposition of metempsychosis and the return to the world after death. Furthermore, they have defined a causal mechanism for the reward and punishment system, denying any divine intervention in reward and punishment. Moreover, both have been used to appease followers with the complex existing situation. These similarities may challenge the Torah-based origin of Kabbalah and its harmony with the fundamental teachings of Abrahamic religions.

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References

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- ספר יצירה :המיוחס לאברהם אבינו עייה,ירושלים,1020                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
- תורה,ספר שמות : ועד הקהילה ליהודי תהראן
Comparative Study of Religions and Mysticism
Volume 10, Issue 2
October 2026
Pages 197-219

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History

  • Receive Date: 25 March 2025
  • Revise Date: 29 April 2025
  • Accept Date: 26 July 2025

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