[Solved] What is Nirvana? Buddhism Concept of Liberation

Which one of the following describes best the concept of Nirvana in Buddhism?

[UPSC CSE Prelims 2013]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

'Nirvana' literally translates to 'blowing out' or 'extinguishing', referring to the end of the psychological causes of suffering.

Authentic Source Evidence

Buddha taught that the root of all suffering (Dukkha) is Tanha (craving/desire). Therefore, the end of suffering is reached by the cooling or extinguishing of these fires.

Analytical Breakdown

Logic 1: Option A is the most technically accurate description. Nirvana is not death, but the 'blowing out' of the fires of greed, hatred, and delusion.

Logic 2: Option B is misleading; Buddhism teaches 'Anatta' (non-self), so there is no permanent 'self' to annihilate. Option C (bliss) is a result of Nirvana, but not its primary definition.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"Is Nirvana equivalent to heaven?"

No, Nirvana is not a physical place but a state of mind achieved through the total cessation of craving and the end of the cycle of rebirth.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"Nirvana is often misunderstood as a negative state (annihilation), but in Buddhist thought, it is the ultimate positive freedom from conditioned existence."

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Four Noble Truths 2 Tanha 2 Dukkha 2

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