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Understanding the Definition of Nirvana: The Essential Concept of the Buddha's
Teachings
Let us now look at the word nirvana which is ubiquitous in the teachings of the Buddha and in the texts of Buddhism. We hear the word ‘nirvana' not only in the teachings of the Buddha, but also in the Jain texts, in the Bhagavad-Gita, and as well, numerous references are made in the Santmat literature.
An early reference to nirvana is also found in the words of the 24th Tirthankara, Lord Mahavira, where the character of a true seeker of nirvana is described:
Those who are guileless and simple, their souls become pure. In those pure ones resides dharma (truth; the sacred law). Just as fire burns hotter and gives off more light when ghee (clarified butter) is added to it, in the same way the aspirant who is simple and chaste reaches nirvana.
The word “nirvana' and 'brahmanirvana' appear frequently in the Bhagavad-Gita:
This is the divine state, O Arjuna. And having attained this, a man is not deluded. Fixed in that state, even at the hour of death, he reaches Brahmanirvana. (2/72)
He who finds his happiness within, his joy within, and his light only within, that yogi becomes divine and attains Brahmanirvana. (5/24)
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