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Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2025 5:35 pm
This “apophatic” method of describing nirvana, however, does not prevent it from being perceived in a positive light. Nirvana signifies the end of ignorance (avidya), which plunges the mind into an endless cycle of rebirths and dependent existence (samsara). Nirvana is both unconditioned reality and the noble mind that has realized the Truth at the same time.”
So, the Wikipedia section “Nirvana and Samsara”.
“According to the doctrines of original Buddhism, nirvana was initially viewed as the counteraspect of samsara. Later, from the time of Nagarjuna, teachings emerged that declared nirvana to be identical with samsara. These teachings formed the philosophical foundation of Mahayana. The teaching of the identity of samsara and nirvana has two interpretations traditionally used in Mahayana Buddhism: Samsara is an illusory aspect of nirvana, constructed by discriminating consciousness. The illusion of samsara disappears after the realization of true reality, just as a rope mistaken for a snake in the dark disappears once the error is realized. The relativist interpretation: Since samsara is samsara only in relation to nirvana, and nirvana is such only in relation to samsara, neither samsara nor nirvana possess intrinsic being. They are devoid of self-nature and are empty, and their shared true nature, tathata, is emptiness — shunyata. The bodhisattva, realizing the emptiness of both samsara and nirvana, attains the state of Buddha.”
Nirvana in Hinduism. “In Hinduism, liberation from the wheel of samsara and the overcoming of ego-centered existence is known as moksha. The state of nirvana is attainable only as the next step after moksha. Nirvana is mentioned in several parts of the Mahabharata with different shades of understanding. In the Bhagavad Gita, the concept of ‘Brahman Nirvana’ (‘Brahmanirvana’) is used: He who, even here, while not yet free from the body, can overcome desire arising from lust and anger — that one is devoted, that one is a happy person. He who is happy within, rejoices within, who also shines from within — that yogin attains the essence of Brahman, the Brahman Nirvana. Brahman Nirvana is attained by rishis who have destroyed their sins, dissolved duality, restrained themselves, and rejoice in the good of all. For those who have renounced lust and anger, who strive, who have restrained their thoughts, who have realized the Atman, the Brahman Nirvana is near.”
So, the Wikipedia section “Nirvana and Samsara”.
“According to the doctrines of original Buddhism, nirvana was initially viewed as the counteraspect of samsara. Later, from the time of Nagarjuna, teachings emerged that declared nirvana to be identical with samsara. These teachings formed the philosophical foundation of Mahayana. The teaching of the identity of samsara and nirvana has two interpretations traditionally used in Mahayana Buddhism: Samsara is an illusory aspect of nirvana, constructed by discriminating consciousness. The illusion of samsara disappears after the realization of true reality, just as a rope mistaken for a snake in the dark disappears once the error is realized. The relativist interpretation: Since samsara is samsara only in relation to nirvana, and nirvana is such only in relation to samsara, neither samsara nor nirvana possess intrinsic being. They are devoid of self-nature and are empty, and their shared true nature, tathata, is emptiness — shunyata. The bodhisattva, realizing the emptiness of both samsara and nirvana, attains the state of Buddha.”
Nirvana in Hinduism. “In Hinduism, liberation from the wheel of samsara and the overcoming of ego-centered existence is known as moksha. The state of nirvana is attainable only as the next step after moksha. Nirvana is mentioned in several parts of the Mahabharata with different shades of understanding. In the Bhagavad Gita, the concept of ‘Brahman Nirvana’ (‘Brahmanirvana’) is used: He who, even here, while not yet free from the body, can overcome desire arising from lust and anger — that one is devoted, that one is a happy person. He who is happy within, rejoices within, who also shines from within — that yogin attains the essence of Brahman, the Brahman Nirvana. Brahman Nirvana is attained by rishis who have destroyed their sins, dissolved duality, restrained themselves, and rejoice in the good of all. For those who have renounced lust and anger, who strive, who have restrained their thoughts, who have realized the Atman, the Brahman Nirvana is near.”