What belief does Hinduism share with many other religions regarding the nature of the universe?

Hinduism shares the belief that the universe is cyclical, which is a fundamental concept within its worldview. This cyclical nature is reflected in the belief in samsara, or the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, where souls undergo a continuous process of reincarnation. Additionally, Hindu cosmology describes the universe not as a linear progression from creation to an endpoint, but rather as a repeating cycle of creation, preservation, and dissolution that operates over vast periods of time known as kalpas.

This perspective is echoed in other Eastern religions, such as Buddhism and Jainism, which also emphasize cycles of existence and rebirth. In contrast, many Western religions typically teach a linear view of the universe, where time moves in a straight line with a defined beginning and end, often culminating in an apocalypse or eternal existence in an afterlife. By recognizing the cyclical nature of the universe, Hinduism aligns itself with this broader spiritual perspective found in various traditions.