Nirvana
by Roshi Hogen Berman
NIRVANA (Sanskrit): NIBBANA (Pali) is a state of existence, or non-existence,
that is totally beyond explanation in any known language (Yet we continue to
try and find the words or combination of words to explain the feeling that we
perceive to exist in this state - inadequately perhaps - but we try). It has
to do with the extinction of greed, hate, delusion, and desire - all
manifestations of ignorance in one's life. It is a state of existence where
one is consciously unconscious, or unconosciously conscious; a state beyond
intelligence, and intel lectual dualization. Nirvana is the ultimate goal of
Bud dhist practice. The word literally means "blown-out" and is often
translated as extinction, emancipation, cessation or non-rebirth.
From a metaphysical standpoint Nirvana is deliverance from suffering. From a
psychological viewpoint Nirvana is the eradication of egoism. From an ethical
point of view it is the destruction of lust, hatred and ignorance. Nirvana is
not a place; it is not situated in some location nor is it any sort of heaven
where a transcendental ego goes to re side. Nirvana is a here and now state,
an attainable Dharma within reach of all beings in this lifetime. If possible,
try to imagine one's current life conditions from a men talistic viewpoint
after they have torn out, by the roots, all hate, greed, delusion, desire,
lust and ignorance and all that exists is a feeling of oneness with all living
be ings - that which remains can be perceived as Nirvana.
Nirvana is where there is no thought of birth, no extinction; it is seeing
into the state of suchness, absolutely transcending all the categories
constructed in the mind; for it is the Buddha's inner consciousness.
It is generally accepted that there are four stages to Nirvana:
1. SOTTAPANNA: One who enters the stream on the Noble Path. a stream
enterer, a stream winner. The very first stages of realization.
2. SAKADAGAMI: Once returner. The second stage of realization.
3. ANAGAMI: Never returner, The third stage of realization.
4. ARAHANT: The perfected one who has eliminated all passions.
References to Parinirvana involve final liberation. That is, all physical and
mental phenomena cease and no future existence in the cycle of rebirth becomes
possible. This is the true cessation of suffering. Usually such references.
are relative to one who has reached the state of Nirvana in his life cycle and
now ex periences the dissolution of the life form (body); i.e. death. At this
point s/he is relieved of the last burden s/he has had to suffer with - a
physical form.
If someone knows Nirvana and the absolute beyond the intellect, they would be
beyond the world of relativity and duality and their life would be without
sensation. They could not experience happiness (for example) because to have
happiness there must also be recognition of unhappiness and then we are back
on the duality track and the relative plane.
The term NIRVANA SYNDROME refers to Buddhist Priests, Monks or Lay followers
of Buddhism who believe they understand the Re birth concept - and their Karma
- to the extent that they may wish for death to be rid of what they perceive
as their last remaining burden in this life cycle - the hu man body. In some
cases being inflicted with the Nirvana Syndrome may result in suicide attempts
(see immola tion); in other cases simply a longing to have this life cy cle
end. Those who experience the Nirvana Syndrome have great confidence that they
will experience Rebirth under more favorable conditions than they are
currently experienc ing in this life cycle.
PARINIBBANA (Pali): Rendered in Sanskrit as Parinirvana.
References to Parinirvana involve final liberation. That is, all physical and
mental phenomena cease and no future existence in the cycle of rebirth becomes
possible. This is the true cessation of suffering. Usually such references are
relative to one who has reached the state of Nirvana in his life cycle and now
ex periences the dissolution of the life form (body); i.e. death. At this
point s/he is relieved of the last burden s/he has had to suffer with - a
physical form. At the point of entering Parinibb na such a one is discarding
the one last burden that brings suffering and unsatisfactory conditions into
this life - the body. One who enters Parinibb na is a Never-Returner (to this
plane of existence and the birth-old age-death cycle); Parinibb na is not a
place where one's residual goes after death, nor can it be said that it is a
state of existence for the enlightened one. Parinibb na is beyond explanation
in our limited vocabulary - but perhaps if one can imagine the fate of the
perfectly enlightened dewdrop as the morning sun finds its leaf - that fate
would be Parinirvana; i.e. oneness with the universe. Just prior to entering
Parinibb na, The Buddha instructed the Sangha: "Therefore, be ye lamps unto
yourself, be a refuge to yourselves. Hold fast to the truth as a lamp; hold
fast to the truth as a refuge. Look not for a refuge in anyone beside
yourself. Those who shall be a lamp unto themselves, shall betake to no
external refuge, but holding fast to the truth as their lamp, and holding fast
to the truth as their refuge, they shall reach the top most height."
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