Source : Free On-Line Dictionary of Computing

cycle of reincarnation
     
        A term coined by {Ivan Sutherland} ca. 1970 to refer to a
        well-known effect whereby function in a computing system
        family is migrated out to special-purpose {peripheral}
        hardware for speed, then the peripheral evolves toward more
        computing power as it does its job, then somebody notices that
        it is inefficient to support two asymmetrical processors in
        the architecture and folds the function back into the main
        {CPU}, at which point the cycle begins again.
     
        Several iterations of this cycle have been observed in
        {graphics-processor} ({blitter}) design, and at least one or
        two in communications and {floating-point} processors.  Also
        known as "the Wheel of Life", "the Wheel of Samsara" and other
        variations of the basic Hindu/Buddhist theological idea.
     
        [{Jargon File}]
     
        (1994-11-16)