Literary notes about nirvana (AI summary)
Literary works employ "nirvana" in multifaceted ways, often as a metaphor for the ultimate state of spiritual liberation and peace. In Buddhist verses, the term signifies the cessation of desire and suffering—the peak of enlightenment and happiness ([1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6], [7]). Conversely, in other texts it assumes a broader, sometimes ironic role, evoking images of a transcendent realm or an elusive state of being, as seen when it becomes a metaphor for escape from mundane existence or even a subject of satire on its attainability ([8], [9], [10]). This rich palette of meanings reflects the word's deep roots in religious thought while also allowing it to traverse diverse literary landscapes.
- These wise people, meditative, steady, always possessed of strong powers, attain to Nirvana, the highest happiness.
— from Dhammapada, a Collection of Verses; Being One of the Canonical Books of the Buddhists - Health is the greatest of gifts, contentedness the best riches; trust is the best of relationships, Nirvana the highest happiness. 205.
— from Dhammapada, a Collection of Verses; Being One of the Canonical Books of the Buddhists - The Bhikshu, full of delight, who is calm in the doctrine of Buddha will reach the quiet place (Nirvana), cessation of natural desires, and happiness.
— from Dhammapada, a Collection of Verses; Being One of the Canonical Books of the Buddhists - Without knowledge there is no meditation, without meditation there is no knowledge: he who has knowledge and meditation is near unto Nirvana.
— from Dhammapada, a Collection of Verses; Being One of the Canonical Books of the Buddhists - if emptied, it will go quickly; having cut off passion and hatred thou wilt go to Nirvana.
— from Dhammapada, a Collection of Verses; Being One of the Canonical Books of the Buddhists - Some people are born again; evil-doers go to hell; righteous people go to heaven; those who are free from all worldly desires attain Nirvana.
— from Dhammapada, a Collection of Verses; Being One of the Canonical Books of the Buddhists - Hunger is the worst of diseases, the body the greatest of pains; if one knows this truly, that is Nirvana, the highest happiness.
— from Dhammapada, a Collection of Verses; Being One of the Canonical Books of the Buddhists - But we will not reach the nirvana, he won't and we won't.
— from Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse - The cat gets nirvana while I trudge up this incline forever?
— from Any Coincidence Is
Or, The Day Julia & Cecil the Cat Faced a Fate Worse Than Death by Daniel Callahan - There is no thing which would be Nirvana; there is just the word Nirvana.
— from Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse