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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.
  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. But we will not reach the nirvana, he won't and we won't.
    — from Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse
  9. 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
  10. There is no thing which would be Nirvana; there is just the word Nirvana.
    — from Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse

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