In Hinduism, the concept of reincarnation, known as "samsara," is a fundamental belief. According to Hindu philosophy, the soul (Atman) is eternal and undergoes a cycle of birth, death, and rebirth until it achieves liberation (moksha) from this cycle. The specific number of lifetimes a soul must undergo before attaining liberation is not explicitly stated as a fixed number in Hindu scriptures.
The number of lifetimes a soul takes to achieve liberation is believed to vary based on individual karma, which refers to the accumulation of actions and their consequences across lifetimes. Positive actions lead to good karma, while negative actions result in bad karma. The quality of one's actions and intentions influences the course of future rebirths.
While there is no fixed number of lifetimes mentioned, some scriptures and traditions in Hinduism do speak of a concept known as "Sapta Janma," which refers to the idea of experiencing seven lifetimes before liberation. This concept is not universally accepted in all Hindu traditions, and interpretations of it may vary among different sects and communities.
The ultimate goal in Hinduism is to break free from the cycle of birth and rebirth and attain liberation or moksha. This liberation is achieved by realizing one's true nature as the eternal soul and merging with the Divine (Brahman) or one's chosen deity. It is important to emphasize that the path to moksha can take numerous lifetimes, and each individual's spiritual journey is considered unique and personal in Hindu belief.
It's also essential to note that Hinduism is a diverse and complex religion with a vast array of beliefs and practices. Different philosophical schools and sects within Hinduism may have their interpretations of reincarnation, karma, and the path to liberation. As a result, there may be variations in beliefs concerning the number of lifetimes one might experience before attaining liberation.