Nibbana(Nirvana) is defined in the Sutras as follows:
“Now this, bhikkhus, is the noble truth of the cessation of suffering: it is the remainderless fading away and cessation of that same craving, the giving up and relinquishing of it, freedom from it, nonreliance on it."
(Dhammacakkappavattanasutta, Saṁyutta Nikāya, translated by Bhikkhu Bodhi)
The mind no longer has all hidden desires and desires, that is Nirvana
It is called Nirvana because Nirvana is the cessation, the separation - Ni - from craving - Vana, sensual desire
"The whole world is in flames. What fire ignited those fires? It is the fire of greed, the fire of anger, the fire of ignorance; It is the fire of birth, the fire of old age, the fire of death, the fire of sorrow, the fire of lamentation, the fire of pain, the fire of suffering, the fire of despair, that kindles those fires.
There is only ultimate Nibbana
Unveiling the Depths of Nibbana: A Journey Beyond Suffering
The passage offers a glimpse into the profound concept of Nibbana, the ultimate goal in Buddhism. It describes it as the cessation of suffering, the extinguishing of craving, and a state free from dependence on desires. To delve deeper, let's explore the multifaceted nature of Nibbana.
Extinguishing the Flames of Craving:
The analogy of fire is particularly potent. The world, caught in the cycle of birth and death (samsara), is ablaze with the fires of greed, anger, and ignorance. These "unwholesome roots" fuel our insatiable desires, leading to clinging and ultimately, suffering. Nibbana signifies the complete extinguishing of these flames. It's not merely suppressing desires, but uprooting them from the very core. Imagine a mind no longer consumed by the constant yearning for things, experiences, or validation. It's a state of inner peace and contentment, independent of external circumstances.
Beyond Cessation: A Positive Transformation
While Nibbana is often described as the "cessation of suffering," it's crucial to understand it as more than just the absence of something negative. It's a positive transformation, a complete liberation from the limitations of the conditioned mind. Think of it like a chrysalis breaking free, revealing a luminous butterfly. The limitations of the caterpillar no longer define the being. Similarly, in Nibbana, one transcends the limitations of ego, self-centeredness, and the illusion of separation.
The Unknowable: The Paradox of Nibbana
The Buddha himself acknowledged the difficulty of describing Nibbana in conventional terms. It lies beyond the realm of concepts and language, a state of pure awareness and liberation. While the passage mentions "freedom from craving," it doesn't imply a state of apathy or indifference. It's a state of profound wisdom and compassion, where one sees things as they truly are, free from distortion caused by desires and attachments.
The Path to Liberation: The Noble Eightfold Path
Nibbana may seem like a distant utopia, but the Buddha laid out a practical path: the Noble Eightfold Path. This path encompasses ethical conduct (Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood), mental discipline (Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, Right Concentration), and wisdom (Right View, Right Intention). By cultivating these qualities, one gradually weakens the hold of craving and strengthens the mind. The path is a journey of self-discovery, a continuous process of letting go and awakening to the true nature of reality.
The Fruits of the Path: A Spectrum of Liberation
The Theravada tradition speaks of different levels of liberation leading to Nibbana. Sotāpanna (Stream-enterer) is the first stage, where one weakens the hold of the defilements and is assured of liberation within seven lifetimes. As progress is made, one attains higher levels like Sakadagami (Once-returner) and Anāgāmi (Non-returner), shedding more layers of attachment. Finally, with the complete eradication of craving, one attains Arhatship, a state of complete liberation.
The Mahayana Perspective: Compassion as the Ultimate Goal
The Mahayana tradition offers another perspective. While acknowledging the importance of personal liberation, it emphasizes the ideal of the Bodhisattva, a being who strives to help all beings achieve liberation. For a Bodhisattva, Nibbana is not the end goal, but a stage on the path to alleviating the suffering of all. This selfless path highlights the interconnectedness of all beings and the importance of compassion in achieving ultimate liberation.
Nibbana: A Beacon of Hope
The concept of Nibbana may seem daunting at first, but it offers a powerful message of hope. It assures us that suffering is not inevitable, and that true liberation is attainable. By understanding its nature and diligently following the path, we can gradually extinguish the flames of craving and find lasting peace within ourselves. It's a journey worth embarking on, a path towards a life free from suffering and filled with profound wisdom and compassion.
