Nirvana is a term with profound significance in various religious, philosophical, and cultural contexts, primarily within Buddhism and Hinduism. Here's an overview:
In Buddhism, Nirvana refers to the ultimate state of liberation from suffering and the cycle of rebirth (Samsara). It is achieved by extinguishing the three fires of greed, hatred, and delusion, leading to the end of suffering. This state is not merely a place or a state of mind but a profound transformation where one achieves:
According to Theravada Buddhism, Nirvana has two aspects:
In Mahayana Buddhism, Nirvana is often understood as an insight into the emptiness (Shunyata) of all phenomena, and it's not seen as a separate state but as the ultimate reality that underlies everything.
In Hinduism, while the term Nirvana is less commonly used, it shares conceptual similarities with Moksha, the liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth. Here, it often implies:
The concept of Nirvana was first expounded by Gautama Buddha during the 6th century BCE. It has since influenced many religious and philosophical systems:
Today, Nirvana is often discussed in terms of: