Thursday, January 29, 2009

Nirvana (definition)

Nirvana. nir-va, to blow out. According to ancient lore, complete freedom; according to Buddhist lore, liberation.

The goal of Buddhism is the condition of the Arhat or one who has achieved nirvana: a condition where there is neither earth nor water nor fire nor air; neither infinite space nor infinite consciousness; nor the sphere of void, nor the sphere of perception or non-perception.

It is the end of woe. When the Buddha achieved it, he is reputed to have said: "I who wept with all my brothers' tears, laugh and am glad, for there is liberty!" (Yoga Illustrated Dictionary, Kaye & Ward).

The Path begins at the tip of the nose where the breath makes contact, courses through Nimitta Lane, onto Jhanas Ave. with a sharp right at Vipassana Blvd., onto Magga Hwy., ending on the Phala Fwy. Remember in case you're lost in Samsara.

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