Significance of Extinction of suffering
The extinction of suffering is a fundamental concept in both Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism. In Mahayana, it signifies the ultimate goal of eliminating pain and desire through understanding and right actions, as taught by the Buddha. In Theravada, it represents a central goal achieved by mastering the four roads to power, ultimately leading to enlightenment and the attainment of Nibbana. This shared aspiration highlights the core purpose of Buddhist practice across different traditions.
Synonyms: Alleviation of suffering, Relief from suffering, Cessation of suffering, End of suffering, Termination of suffering, Annihilation of suffering
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Extinction of suffering'
The "Extinction of suffering" in Buddhism represents the ultimate aim of achieving Nibbana by eliminating pain and desire through understanding and right actions, ultimately attained via mastery of the paths leading to enlightenment.
From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada
(1) The ultimate goal of meditation, achieved by understanding and eliminating the causes of suffering as delineated in Buddhist teachings.[1] (2) The ultimate goal of Nibbana, which signifies the complete end of suffering resulting from the non-recurrence of psycho-physical phenomena.[2] (3) The elimination of the mental and physical sufferings that arise from the cycle of dependent origination, achievable through the negation of causes.[3] (4) The complete elimination of all forms of suffering through the cessation of craving.[4] (5) The cessation or elimination of suffering, which is emphasized in the teachings of bhikkhuni Vajira.[5]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) The extinction of suffering is a sought-after goal in Buddhism, symbolizing the core purpose of attaining Nibbana.[6]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) A central goal in Buddhism, achieved through the mastery of the four roads to power leading to enlightenment.[7]
From: Guide to Tipitaka
(1) The ultimate goal of Buddhist meditation practices, focused on alleviating the root causes of suffering.[8]
From: The Sutra of Queen Śrīmālā of the Lion’s Roar
(1) The state in which suffering ceases to exist, considered inconceivable and beyond the grasp of common understanding.[9] (2) The realization of the cessation of all forms of suffering, which is achievable only by buddhas through the destruction of defilements and following the path of enlightenment.[10] (3) The ultimate goal that signifies the end of all forms of suffering, which is regarded as the supreme truth.[11] (4) A significant concept indicating the cessation of suffering, and is synonymous with the Dharma body of the Tathagata, which is eternal and pure.[12]
From: Buddhacarita
(1) The ultimate goal of eliminating pain and desire through understanding and right actions as promoted by the Buddha.[13]
From: Lotus Sutra
(1) The ultimate goal of Buddhist practice, signifying the complete cessation of all forms of suffering through spiritual awakening.[14]
From: Vimalakirti Sutra
(1) The cessation of the causes and conditions that lead to suffering.[15]