Enlightenment and Nirvana in Buddhism
The Third Noble Truth promises a way to escape the hamster-wheel cycle of karma and death. For 25 centuries, Buddhists have studied and practiced to realize enlightenment -- bodhi, "awakened," in Pali Sanskrit -- and enter Nirvana. But what do these words mean to us today?
Enlightenment and Nirvana
The Buddha taught that we can put an end to suffering and escape the cycles of life and death. This cessation of suffering is called "enlightenment" (bodhi, "awakened"). The enlightened being exists in a state called Nirvana.
The Buddha taught that we can put an end to suffering and escape the cycles of life and death. This cessation of suffering is called "enlightenment" (bodhi, "awakened"). The enlightened being exists in a state called Nirvana.
Buddhist Enlightenment vs. Nirvana
A personal reflection on enlightenment and nirvana by an American Zen priest, Kusala Ratana Karuna.
A personal reflection on enlightenment and nirvana by an American Zen priest, Kusala Ratana Karuna.