How do you reach Nirvana?
Nirvana is a term used to describe the profound peace of mind that is acquired with liberation. It is the state of being free from suffering.
The word literally means "blown out" (as in a candle) and refers, in the Buddhist context, to the imperturbable stillness of mind after the fires of desire, aversion, and delusion have been finally extinguished. (loosely quoting Wikipedia here...)
So...I'm curious if you all believe that Atheists as a general rule are able to reach this level of liberation? Do you think it's possible for Theists to do so? Do you believe that all/most Atheists reach Nirvana? How do you know when you've reached it? Once you've reached it how do you know you'll be able to stay there? Is it just in your mind or is there more to it? What could be a scientific explanation for the state of Nirvana?....Do you believe that Nirvana is attached to any kind of religious dogma since it's roots are found in Buddhism? Isn't Buddhism a religion? If not, then why not. If you believe Nirvana is rubbish, then tell me why.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Simon Paynton on -
Well - lotus flowers don't have feelings.
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Permalink Reply by Unseen on -
But peeping Toms do. And if the peeping Tom isn't discovered, where do her feelings come in?
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Permalink Reply by Simon Paynton on
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Damn you. HE will probably feel some kind of guilty and secretive, along with his corrupt pleasure. SHE is being violated even though she doesn't know it.
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Permalink Reply by Lewal on -
Unless he's a sociopath. Some people are just wired to escape karma.
Though... admittedly, a sociopathic peeping Tom would be something of an underachiever.
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Permalink Reply by Simon Paynton on
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Yes, this is some kind of sticking point.
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Permalink Reply by Simon Paynton on
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The other goal has to be to maximize happiness, as the Dalai Lama points out.
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Permalink Reply by Simon Paynton on
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I know I've been moaning about having no-one to collaborate with, but it seems I've been collaborating with y'all. So thanks everyone for letting me discuss this stuff.
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Permalink Reply by Khat Baker on -
I like to play in the lobby of Nirvana.
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Permalink Reply by archaeopteryx on -
I eat a pistachio ice cream cone - ahh, Nirvana!
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Permalink Reply by Christopher Murphy on -
Free from suffering? That's death mate. And we all obtain nirvana eventually.
If you want a life without suffering as a living organic being, it is impossible and a rather ridiculous idea. As for desire, people are animals and animals are genetic distribution machines that have evolved very precise mechanisms to create desire in order to spread our dna.
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