"Nirvana is the uprooting of ignorance, greed, and anger" (Thich Nhat Hanh in his book "Old Path White Clouds").

Nirvana is probably one of the most spoken about concepts of Buddism, and probably the least understood. Let us begin by saying that Nirvana is not a concept, it is a state of being that has to be experienced. Most people take it to be a nihilistic idea. One has to experience Nirvana. It is nothing else but the experience of Spiritual Enlightenment. In the Vedic Dharma it is known by different, but it is also known as Brahma-Nirvana or Absorption in God.

The literal meaning of Nirvana is "blowing out", like when you blow out a candle. Buddha tried to brake away from theistic concepts, and tried to explain enlightenment for the benefit of everyone, theists or none theists. The reason being that one does not have to believe in God to fin Spiritual Enlihtenmen. (Words can be an obstacle in the spiritual path.)

Even though it is almost impossible to describe Spiritual Enlightenment, we can say that it is a state of profound serenity where "selfishness" disappears.

Some people have insisted that Nirvana is a state of passivity. Wrong! Even after Buddha's Nirvana He maintained a very active life. Most spiritual teachers become more active after Enlightenment. Nirvana is a very profound and positive state.

Hermano Luis
Moriviví Hermitage

Like The Dude says. Just take it easy. Most of us have to feed the monkey (reference Victorian image of organ grinder) and tolerate reactionaries and rug micturaters. The secret is not to let that stuff get you down. Sh!t happens. Nothing we can do about that.

Hola hermano Luis,

I find it interesting that people present nirvana as something that is so mysterious, so profound, so unattainable. But, after reading what you posted:

""Nirvana is the uprooting of ignorance, greed, and anger" (Thich Nhat Hanh in his book "Old Path White Clouds").

it does not seem so mystical, but more of life choices.

"uprooting of ignorance" becomes knowledge (the search of, the finding of it) or even education (not the type you get in the classroom, although maybe...)

"uprooting of ... greed" becomes the practice of generosity and kindness, towards others, towards animals, towards our planet.

"uprooting of ... anger" becomes choosing happiness (i would rather use contentment) and other positive uplifting emotions, over the baseness of anger.

Interesting,
i had never thought of it this way, nor realised that it really is quite simple and attainable,
it's not even really a spiritual quest/journey, if one sees it from this angle.

But more of choices, or character traits one decides to develop... hmmm....

You got the idea, Lannah. When Buddha taught, He was trying to reach everyone. That is why He never spoke for or against God. Back then "Nirvana" was the ideal word. Everyone can reach Nirvana, it is not the special Goal of any group, sex, nationalit, religion... the path to Nirvana is for all. What is also interesting is that Lord Buddha said that everyone had to walk their own path.

See you in Nirvana soon!

Hermano Luis

You are such a sweetie. I always enjoy reading what you write, i find it quite uplifting, and very often educational.

Have a wonderful holiday/Christmas season! Felicidades a ti y a tu familia! Bendiciones para todos y un abraso fuerte!!