Introduction to Nirvana

What is “Nibbana” and why is it important? First, it can be explained that in Theravada Buddhism we use Pali, the language which Lord Buddha spoke, in place of the written Sanskrit which has been taken into English. The Sanskrit word for Nibbana is “Nirvana.” It is composed of two components: “Ni-” meaning “to move away from” and “vana” meaning “craving or lust.”

Three Aspects of Nirvana

Thus, from the first aspect, Nirvana is a mental state – a state free from craving – which can be attained here and now on a temporary basis during meditation. Achieving this state is an important part of Lord Buddha’s mental training. This perception of Nirvana is much more useful than the usual, fatalistic picture as something far off, incomprehensible and essentially unreachable.

This usual picture is the second aspect. Here, Nirvana is seen as a realm, far beyond Heaven, outside of time and space, where the enlightened disciples of Lord Buddha continue to be with him eternally, in supreme peaceful happiness. This is Ayatana Nirvana, Nirvana Residence. This aspect can also be very useful, providing us with a goal in life – the ultimate answer to the question “Where am I going?”

Yes, Ayatana Nirvana is far off; we had better set more immediately achievable sub-goals. But, this perspective says that eternal happiness, the ultimate goal in most religions, IS attainable. Being able to visit during meditation substantiates this conception and makes the seemingly interminable journey bearable. Realizing that we are reborn over and over anyway develops patience for the protracted mission.

The third aspect on Nirvana concerns the base sustaining Nirvana as a mental state. Our soiled human minds are clearly incapable of grasping such a concept. That is why we call it incomprehensible. What level of consciousness is competent to deal with Nirvana? Clearly, it must be transcendent, beyond this world.

After presenting his first sermon, the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta, Lord Buddha saw that Kondañña, the leader of the Five Ascetics, understood. During the sermon, Kondañña had transcended and even glimpsed Nirvana momentarily. Lord Buddha rejoiced that Kondañña had attained the “Dhamma-Eye” (Dhammacakkhu) and renamed him Añña-Kondañña, the Kondañña who sees. This “Dhamma-Eye” level of consciousness is what we now call Dhammakaya. It is transcendent. The Most Refined Dhammakaya Arahant can sustain Nirvana as a mental state, temporarily. Thus, it is called Nibbana-dhatu or the Nirvana Base Element.

In conclusion, three main aspects of Nirvana can be discerned when it is examined with the evidence in the Tipitaka [first order], the Commentaries [second order], and Sub-commentaries [third order], which are all correct, valid and relevant data sources. These three aspects are: (1) The Mental States of Nirvana, (2) The Nirvana Element (Nibbanadhatu) that supports the mental state, and (3) Nirvana as the home (Abhidhanappadipika, 3rd edition (Bangkok: Mahamakutrajavidyalaya Press, B.E. 2530), page 226). or Ayatana, where the Nirvana Element (Anupadisesanibbanadhatu) dwells.

Note: Anupadisesanibbanadhatu is Nirvana without any substratum of life remaining.