Find Bliss with Buddhism Nirvana
July 8th, 2008Nirvana, as many people refer to it today, is a state of complete joy, bliss, delight and peace. Definitely, a worthwhile goal to reach for! But, where does this concept come from?
The word Nirvana, also spelled Nibbana, is a Sanskrit word that literally means “to cease blowing” (such as when a candle goes out) or to extinguish (such as to extinguish the struggles and passions of life). Buddhists believe this refers to crossing into a different type of existence.
Nirvana is a spiritual concept that has somewhat different meanings in different cultures and religions, and even in different schools of the same religion.
In the Dhammapada, a book of scripture verses attributed to the Buddha, Buddhism Nirvana is referred to as “the highest happiness.” It is considered to be the ultimate goal, and it refers to complete freedom from the bindings of the human existence. It is liberation from desire, greed, ignorance, craving, hate, delusion and ego-centered existence.
When a Buddhist reaches the state of Nirvana that person no longer has to go through the cycle of birth and death, and is free from the bindings of Karma. It is the end of suffering and individual existence, allowing the person to become one with all that is. Buddhism Nirvana is a state also referred to as “Enlightenment.”
According to the beliefs of some schools of Buddhism, Nirvana can only be achieved after death. Others believe it may be achieved during life or after death.
So how does one attain Buddhism Nirvana?
The natural state of the mind is a peaceful one, and the ultimate goal is to return to this natural state by releasing the causes of suffering that exist deep in the unconscious. In striving to achieve Buddhism Nirvana, Buddhists live a disciplined life and some believe in following the “noble eightfold path” on the way to Enlightenment.
The eightfold path consists of:
1. Right view
2. Right intention
3. Right speech
4. Right action
5. Right livelihood
6. Right effort
7. Right mindfulness
8. Right concentration
Many people also believe that meditation is an important tool for attaining Buddhism Nirvana. Meditation can be used to see more clearly and assist in the process of releasing the causes of suffering.
The modern concept of Nirvana comes, at least in part, from Buddhism Nirvana. Buddhists have very specific beliefs on how to best follow the path and achieve the ultimate goal of Nirvana.
Those of us who don’t follow the Buddhist teachings may sometimes experience moments of complete and utter bliss in our lives. At those times, we may feel that we have experienced Nirvana, at least temporarily.
