Nirvana Flashcards
Key ideas of the meaning and significance of nirvana
Refers to the extinguishing of the fires of craving, aggression and ignorance inside us, which are the causes of suffering
Nirvana is the end of suffering (enlightenment)
When these 3 causes of suffering have been ‘extinguished’ we cease to suffer and reach enlightenment
Once you attain nirvana you are free form the cycle of birth and death and can no longer be reborn into samsara
Nirvana with remainder is when…
Nirvana is experienced in life because we still have our body, which is something of a limitation.
Parinirvana is when…
It’s experienced at death because then we are free of the body so rebirth will not occur.
Experience of nirvana in life…
Person appears to think and function the same as everyone else but the difference is that Their mind is different, e.g, body can become ill/injured and feel pain but the pain will not affect their mental state.
What is an arhat
Someone who has attained nirvana meaning they have conquered their mind and the enemy of the three poisons. This is the goal of Theravada Buddhism.
