Spiritual Path of Nirvana Explored

¶ … Spiritual Path of Nirvana

Explored in Zen Buddhism

Nirvana and meditation in general are transcendental and are the spiritual aspect of Mahayana or Zen Buddhism. The emphasis on this school of thought is achieving clarity through meditation as a way of improving one's life to reach Nirvana and, as a result, become an enlightened individual. The meditative aspect of Mahayana is what sets it apart from other schools of Buddhism and will the focus of this study.

Mahayana developed from a growing desire to stress the "infinite compassion of Buddha's willingness to share his insights" (Monk 28). One of the most significant aspects of this branch of Buddhism focuses primarily on Buddha's desire to help others achieve Nirvana. The Buddha takes on a more savior-like role in this aspect, for he is pointing others toward enlightenment. Nirvana seems complicated when approached from a distance but when it is broken down to a simple definition, it is simply a state that is without desire, which leads to enlightenment.

Nirvana is reached through meditation, which is a popular tenet in most Buddhist practices. The practice of meditation is essential to reaching nirvana and is therefore considered mandatory. Nirvana might be one of the most universally recognized aspects of Zen Buddhism. According to John P. Keenan, a specialist in Yogacara Buddhism and Professor Emeritus of Religion at Middlebury College, Nirvana is something to which Buddhists strive and it is considered the "final cessation" (Keenan 141) of the search for "salvation" because it represents the Buddhist is "empty of any core essence and thus identified with transmigration" (141). Paul Williams, who lectures on Indo-Tibetan Studies at the University of Bristol, claims that Nirvana is the "calming of all representations, the calming of all differentiations, peace" (Williams 75). He agrees with Keenan in that it is also a cessation of the "realm of verbal utterance and the (dualistic) mind" (75). Nirvana, then is a state of pure consciousness that transcends this world and all of its worries.

A significant development within the Mahayana tradition is the concept of the bodhisattva, which is an individual that has attained nirvana and is compelled to help others do the same. This notion comes directly from the religious experience of Siddharta Gautama, who reached Nirvana and taught others how to do the same. In addition, the concept of former lives is associated with Siddharta Gautama and is still prevalent today, explaining the notion that truth is attained by an understanding of past lives and karma. Everything possible stems from the concept of Nirvana found only through deep meditation.

Nirvana is desirable because, while emptiness seems a strange concept for western-thinking minds, it is actually opening the door toward enlightenment because it means purity. When Nirvana is attained, the self is pure and this is the truth that helps individuals understand life. Nirvana, or the goal of it, helps individuals cope with some of the most basic questions in life including why we are here, where we are in life, what we are doing, and where we are going. Through contemplation, the individual comes to a place of peace that allows him or her to look at these questions in a selfless way. By considering things from a selfless perspective, individuals will be more inclined to realize the truth of life. This truth can be attained through the four noble truths of Buddhism, which include the notion that life includes suffering, and that suffering is caused by desire or selfishness. Suffering can be overcome by following the Eightfold Path in Buddhism.

Following the Eightfold Path leads to Nirvana and it begins with an awareness of life's problem, determination to solve this problem, abstention from lying, evil speech, killing, stealing, and immorality. It is also important to not harm living things. Other steps are a determination to create right states of mind, self-knowledge and self-mastery, and the understanding of the truths regarding human existence. The eightfold Path guides individuals down a path that answers the questions of why we are here in that we are here to share our experiences and make the world a better place. We are aiming for a better world and on a more personal level, we aim for Nirvana. Keenan notes that this can be equated to the Western world's concept of salvation. The dimensions of religion are covered in this desire for Nirvana through the practice of meditation, the teaching of Buddha, the respect of persons and nature, the gathering of like-minded individuals seeking the same thing. While Nirvana is a spiritual activity, it is manifested in the physical world through kindness and consideration for all living things.