# Nirvana

Source: https://buddhisma2z.com/nirvana/  
Author: Bhante S. Dhammika, *Guide To Buddhism A To Z*  
Licence: CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)

Nirvana, [**Pāḷi**](https://buddhisma2z.com/pali/) *nibbāna*, [**Sanskrit**](https://buddhisma2z.com/sanskrit/) *nirvāṇa*) is the highest spiritual state and the ultimate goal of Buddhism. The word comes from *nir* meaning ‘stop’ and *vā* meaning ‘to blow’. Thus nirvana is the extinguishing or blowing out of the fires of greed, hatred and ignorance. Alternatively, it may come from *nir* plus *vana* meaning ‘desire’ and thus means the ‘stopping of desire’. When, as a result of practising the [**Noble Eightfold Path**](https://buddhisma2z.com/noble-eightfold-path/), ignorance and craving give way to knowledge and fulfilment, one attains nirvana and at death is no longer subject to [**rebirth**](https://buddhisma2z.com/rebirth/) and all the [**suffering**](https://buddhisma2z.com/suffering/) that it entails. nirvana is the most well-known name the Buddha used for this exalted state. He also called it The Culmination, The Further Shore, Truth, The Immaculate, The Joyful, Utter Peace, The Wonderful, The Pure, The Safe Refuge, etc. (S.IV,369-72). See [**Mysticism**](https://buddhisma2z.com/mysticism/).

**Further reading:** The Psychology of Nirvana, R. Johansson, 1969.

Subjects: Buddhist Doctrines