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The term 'Nirvana' is mainly associated with Buddhism and refers to 'a higher state of being'. 'Nirvana' literally translated means the extinction of desire, which 'is the sinful grasping state of mind and heart which makes man desire this illusory world. When he extinguishes the fire of desire, he attains peace or Nirvana.' (1).

In order to achieve 'Nirvana', we must first escape 'Samsara', which is the cycle of birth and rebirth. In other words, you are reborn until you no longer have bad Karma and have been rewarded for your past and present actions. 'Nirvana' can be achieved in this lifetime, but if it is achieved in the afterlife it is generally referred to as 'Parinirvana' or 'The final Nirvana'.

The first person to achieve 'Nirvana', and then 'Parinirvana', was thought to be Siddhartha Gautama, or Buddha. In despair of a world of suffering, he sat under a tree, now known as the Bodhi Tree, and meditated for forty five day. He then became 'enlightened' with an intense understanding of his present life and past lives, and this world and other worlds. In this way, he had achieved 'Nirvana'.

Gautama began to teach his thoughts and ideas in the form of the four ' Noble Truths' and 'Noble Eightfold Path':

FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS
(1) Life is suffering
(2) This suffering is caused by overcoming ignorance and attachment to earthly
things.
(3) You can only end this suffering by overcoming ignorance and attachment to
earthly things.
(4) You can overcome ignorance and attachment by following the NOBLE EIGHTFOLD PATH.

The 'Noble Eightfold Path' gives a list of eight ideals which will guide each person to a greater understanding of this world and other worlds:
(1) Right Views
(2) Right Intention
(3) Right Speech
(4) Right Action
(5) Right Livelihood
(6) Right effort
(7) Right contemplation
(8) Right mindedness

In following this path, the Buddha described a way to end suffering. It is thought to be a way to free each person from attachments and delusions, so that we gain an understanding of truth about all things. The four truths and the 'Noble Eightfold Path' are the fundamental teachings of Buddhism in order for us to reach the state of 'Nirvana'.

The Buddha was known to achieve Parinirvana at the age of eighty, when he left behind his physical body. Buddhists believe this to be the highest possible state achievable, but of course know little about it.
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(1) Rev. Keryu Tsusi, www.ekoji.org.
(2) www.urbandharma.org
(3)www.theb igview.com
(4) Wilkipipedia.org
(5) www.science.howstuffworks.com

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