[Buddha-l] seeking a history of the origins of karma, reincarnation, samsara

[Barnaby Thieme]

Hi folks, 

Can anyone recommend a good historical analysis in English about the origins of the doctrines of karma, reincarnation, and samsara in India? Not exclusively (or necessarily) focusing on Buddhism. I gather that the history of these concepts is known only in fragments, but I'll take what I can get. 

I'd be glad to know of books treating any one of these topics in depth, too. 

Incidentally, this question's inspired by my reading of Richard Gombrich's engaging /How Buddhism Began/. 

Thanks so much!

Barnaby 

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