Exploring the Concept of Nirvana: Beyond the Physical Realm
Nirvana is a profound concept often misunderstood. It's not a destination but a state of mind, a realization of one's true nature. This state of infinity and bliss is unobstructed and free from the bonds of the physical world. In this article, we delve into the mysteries of Nirvana and its after-effects, contrasting different perspectives and insights.
Nirvana: The Infinite State of Mind
In Jainism, Nirvana is not just a spiritual culmination; it's a state of infinite happiness, infinite knowledge, and an understanding of every element, past, present, and future. The soul achieves this state when it is no longer bound by karma. The real self is the soul, not the physical body and its attributes. This realization leads to the cessation of karma particles and the pathway to liberation.
According to Jain beliefs, the soul resides in siddhashila, atop the world. This state of nirvana is beyond the physical realm, a pure and unobstructed existence. It's described as a state of infinite power, unobstructed vigour, and vision. Once the soul achieves this state, it no longer needs a physical body. It moves towards its own nature, free from the cycle of rebirth and the accumulated karma of past lives.
The Perspectives of Sage Kevalgyan
The revered sage Kevalgyan emphasizes the indivisibility of the soul and its true nature. He explains that Nirvana is not a place but a state of being, characterized by infinite happiness, knowledge, and the realization of the soul's true form. The concept of sameness across realms is a fundamental tenet, indicating that the soul remains the same, regardless of the physical form it takes.
Kevalgyan clarifies that Nirvana is a state that exists beyond the physical realm. It is characterized by the cessation of karma particles, leading to a state where the soul is free from the cycle of rebirth. This realization is not just a passing experience but a permanent one, free from the constraints of the physical world. Understanding this state is the true path to liberation in Jainism.
Parinirvana in Buddhism: Another Perspective
In Buddhism, the concept of Parinirvana relates to the nirvana-after-death, a state that occurs upon the death of someone who has attained nirvana during their lifetime. This term implies release from the cycle of sasāra (samsara), the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, as well as the dissolution of the skandhas (the aggregates that constitute the self).
According to Buddhist teachings, Parinirvana is a state of complete liberation and enlightenment, achieved after one's physical death. It signifies the end of suffering and the cessation of the cycle of rebirth. The person who attains Parinirvana no longer experiences the cycle of samsara and is no longer subjected to the consequences of karma.
Personal Interpretations and Insights
Many individuals who have experienced a glimpse of Nirvana while still living often return, questioned why they do not remain in that state. The answer to this question lies in the nature of the experience. Nirvana is an absolute state of freedom and enlightenment, a state where the sense of self is transcended. It is a realization that goes beyond the physical realm, and thus, the person who experiences it cannot remain in that state because the state itself transcends the physical existence.
Monks who achieve Nirvana often find it challenging to describe the experience. The reason is simple: there is no 'it' to describe, no tangible aspect that can be articulated. Nirvana is a state of being, a state that transcends language and description. The concept of 'what happens after' becomes irrelevant in the face of such an absolute state of freedom.
From a practical perspective, Nirvana is a state of infinite bliss and liberation. It is a clear understanding that nothing is permanent, not even the physical world. This understanding brings about a profound shift in perspective that aligns with the objectives of Jainism and Buddhism, guiding individuals towards a path of enlightenment and liberation.