Q. Which one of the following describes best the concept of Nirvana in Buddhism?

  • The extinction of the flame of desire
  • The complete annihilation of self
  • A state of bliss and rest
  • A mental stage beyond all comprehension

Answer: (a) The extinction of the flame of desire

Notes:
  • In Buddhism, Nirvana is best described as the extinction of the flame of desire, representing liberation from suffering and the cycle of rebirth by extinguishing craving, attachment, and ignorance.
  • Nibbana (Nirvana): The ultimate goal of the Buddha’s teaching was the attainment of Nibbana. This was not a place but an experience and could be attained in this life.
    • Nirvana means the shedding of all desires and ending of sufferings, which finally leads to freedom from rebirth.
    • By a process of elimination of desire, one can attain ‘nirvana.
    • Therefore, Buddha preached that annihilation of desire is the real problem. Prayers and sacrifices will not end the desire. So unlike the emphasis on rituals and ceremonies in the Vedic religion, he laid emphasis on the moral life of an individual.
    • The Buddha is supposed to have experienced Nibbana, as did some of his disciples.
    • Nibbana literally means blowing out, drying out, or extinction -the dying out or extinction of desire, attachment, greed, hatred, ignorance, and the sense of I-ness and breaking out of the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.
    • Nibbana does not mean physical death.
    • The term parinibbana (complete or final dying out) is used for the death of an enlightened being such as the Buddha.
  • Tenets of Buddhism:
    • Buddha asked his followers to avoid the two extremes of indulgence in worldly pleasure and the practice of strict abstinence and asceticism.
    • He ascribed instead the ‘Madhyam Marg’ or the middle path which was to be followed.
    • According to him, everyone was responsible for their own happiness in life, stressing the individualistic component of Buddhism.
    • The main teachings of Buddhism are encapsulated in the basic concept of four noble truths or ariya-sachchani and eightfold path or astangika marg.
  • Four noble truths:
    • Suffering (dukkha) is the essence of the world.
    • Every suffering has a cause – Samudya.
    • Suffering could be extinguished – Nirodha.
    • It can be achieved by following the Atthanga Magga (Eight-Fold Path).