Definition
In Buddhism, the extinction of greed, hatred and ignorance that put an end to the conditioned suffering and cycle of rebirths.
Buddhist schools discuss his description, his relationship to the world and the difference between nirvā的a reached during his lifetime and parinirvā的a at the death of a awake. He is not simply a paradise.
To be retained
- Avoiding Translation by Paradise
- Connecting it to the three poisons
- Distinguish meditative state and liberation
- Respecting the diversity of schools
Origin of the term and context
Nirvā的a literally means "extinguishing" or "inspiring", like a flame that goes off for lack of fuel. The pāli uses nibbāna.
Why does it matter?
Nirvās is the soteriological goal of Buddhism, not a validated neurological state. Meditational states can be measured without being identical to doctrinal liberation.
- Avoiding Translation by Paradise
- Connecting it to the three poisons
- Distinguish meditative state and liberation
- Respecting the diversity of schools
How can it be explored or practised?
- Studying the Four Noble Truths
- Observe the appearance and calming of greed
- Ethical Cultivator, Meditation and Understanding Together
- Do not claim awakening as authority over others
Misconceptions and points of caution
- A peaceful experience is not a proof of nirvā
- The quest for liberation must not become a flight from the world.
- Self-proclaimed masters should be evaluated with caution.
Perspectives from different traditions
- Theravāda: nibbāna as unconditioned and fine soil.
- Mahāyāna: reflection on emptiness and non-duality of the sasāra and nirvā的a.
- Vajrayāna: Tantric pathways in the mahāyāna setting.
To go further
- What Buddha has taught — Walpola Rahula
- The Middle Treaty — Nāgārjuna, with commentary