Q: “What is Nibbana?”
A: Nibbana is not the question; it is the goal. If there is the goal, there is the Path, of course. We have to follow the path first before we ask ‘What is Nibbana?’ The Path begins with Right Understanding but not with right faith or right belief. For Right Understanding we must learn. When we learn something, we will get learned in what we have studied of course, if we are smart enough.
When we are learned, we must put into practice to test our understanding whether it is right or wrong. According The Buddha’s Teaching, being learned is not enough to achieve Right Understanding but you must put into practice. Look! How scientific it is.
On the other hand, for the faith or belief, we do not need to learn anything but we must just be blind to achieve the faith. Look! How easy it is and it is also too far from modern science. This is the difference between Buddhism and religion. It is also the reason why quite many scientists, psychologists, philosophers, scholars and educators are deeply interested in Buddhism and its practical approach to its Truth or its goal.
Actually, the realization of Nibbana can be emerged from your confidence and understanding developed by following The Noble Eightfold Path beginning with Right Understanding that can develop realization of Nibbana day after day.
Therefore, Nibbana is deeply connected with your practice that can develop your Right Understanding and confidence on the Path to the goal of Nibbana. Nibbana cannot be attained by reading books or by prayer or devotional services such as offering incense sticks and bowing down to the image of the Buddha.
These devotional services are fine but they cannot bring you the reality of Nibbana, the Ultimate Peace of mind in which your mind has totally been cultivated and purified by practicing The Noble Eightfold Path that includes eight constituents: Right Understanding, Right Thought, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness and Right Concentration.
When you follow The Path, your understanding will become clear and right and your confidence will be clearly developed. The realization of Nibbana will be clearly emerged from your confidence developed through the intensive practice of the Noble Eightfold Path. I hope you get it.
Q:Oh! Yes. It is absolutely clear. You are wise, Sir. Thank you so much for your wise teaching.
