Understanding Nirvana and the Path to Enlightenment : หน้า 72/115

Nirvana Nirvana (Pali, Nibbanna) is the state of ultimate happiness -- the happy condition of enlightenment -- the highest spiritual attainment. This is not the sense-based happiness of everyday life; nor is it the concept of happiness as interpreted by Western culture. It is an enduring, transcendental happiness integral to the calmness attained through enlightenment. Once a person has attained Nirvana, he has reached the end of the cycle of rebirths -- the final and total release from cyclic existence -- never again to be subject to rebirth. Happy realms Happy realms consist of heavens and human domain. A person who lives a life of good conduct will be reborn in a happy realm. Unhappy realms Unhappy realms consist of hells, demons, hungry ghosts, and animal domains. A person who lives a life of evil conduct will be reborn in an unhappy realm. Four Noble Truths Discovered by the Buddha during his enlightenment, The Four Noble Truths became the foundation for Buddhism. It explains that suffering is a part of all unenlightened beings; that the origin of suffering arises from attachment to desire or craving; that suffering ceases when attachment to desire ceases; and that freedom from suffering is possible through the practice of the Noble Eightfold Path. Noble Eightfold Path Noble Eightfold Path is the Path to end all sufferings, leading to enlightenment. It consists of the right view, right thought, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration. Right View Right View is view and wisdom in accordance with the Truths. It consists of the understanding that generosity is virtuous and should be practiced; virtuous people are worthy of respect; hospitality is good; the Law of Karma exists; parents are worthy of our 72