涅槃
Nirvana
Buddhism · conceptThe ultimate goal of Buddhist practice — the complete cessation of craving, aversion, and ignorance, and therefore the end of suffering (dukkha) and the cycle of rebirth (samsara). Nirvana literally means 'extinguishing' — like a flame that has gone out for lack of fuel. It is not a place or a state of existence but the unconditioned (asaṃskṛta). The Buddha described nirvana as: 'The born, become, made, conditioned — that has an end. But the unborn, not-become, not-made, not-conditioned — that has no end.' Nirvana is accessible in this life (with remainder) and fully realized at death (without remainder).
诸行无常，是生灭法；生灭灭已，寂灭为乐。
— Nirvana Sutra (Buddhist tradition)
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What Are the Key Facts About Nirvana?
- Tradition: Buddhism
- Chinese: 涅槃
- Category: Concept
- Definition: The ultimate goal of Buddhist practice — the complete cessation of craving, aversion, and ignorance, and therefore the end of suffering (dukkha) and the cycle of rebirth (samsara).
What Concepts Are Related to Nirvana?
Samsara 轮回Frequently Asked Questions About Nirvana
What is nirvana?
Nirvana ('blowing out') is the Buddhist goal: the extinguishing of craving, aversion, and ignorance, and thus release from the cycle of rebirth (samsara) and dukkha.
Is nirvana a place?
No — it is a state or realization, not a heavenly location. In early Buddhism it is the unbinding of the defilements; the person lives on then passes away finally.
What is the difference between nirvana and samsara?
Samsara is the conditioned cycle of suffering; nirvana is its cessation. Some Mahayana teachings stress they are not two separate realms but one reality seen with or without delusion.
What is parinirvana?
Parinirvana is the 'final nirvana' at the Buddha's death, when the physical life ends and there is no further rebirth — the completion of liberation.