Significance of Samsara and nirvana
Samsara and nirvana are fundamental concepts in Buddhism, representing the cycle of birth, suffering, and rebirth (samsara), contrasted with liberation from this cycle (nirvana). Samsara embodies the struggles and pain of existence, while nirvana signifies ultimate peace and release from these cyclical experiences. The two states are often understood as interconnected, highlighting how enlightenment can be achieved through the understanding of suffering. Both concepts are viewed as essential in navigating the spiritual path toward liberation and enlightenment.
Synonyms: Cycle of birth and rebirth, Liberation, Enlightenment, Spiritual liberation, Rebirth, Existence, Worldly existence, Ultimate happiness, Cessation of suffering, Cycle of rebirth
In Dutch: Samsara en nirvana; In Finnish: Samsara ja nirvana; In Spanish: Samsara y nirvana
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Samsara and nirvana'
Samsara, in Buddhism, signifies the cyclical existence marked by suffering through birth and rebirth, while nirvana represents ultimate liberation and enlightenment, reflecting fundamental states of existence that are intertwined in the spiritual path.
From: Guhyagarbha Tantra (with Commentary)
(1) The two states of existence described in Buddhist philosophy: samsara representing the cycle of suffering and rebirth, and nirvana indicating ultimate liberation and peace.[1] (2) The dual aspects of existence that encompass all apparent realities.[2] (3) Concepts representing cyclic existence and ultimate liberation, viewed as non-dual in the context of meditation.[3] (4) Concepts referring to the cycle of existence and ultimate liberation, respectively.[4] (5) Describes the states of existence, with samsara representing cyclic existence and nirvana signifying liberation.[5]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) Samsara refers to the cyclical existence filled with suffering, while nirvana represents liberation from this cycle, achieved through the wisdom of prajna.[6] (2) The cycle of birth and rebirth (samsara) characterized by suffering, contrasted with nirvana, the state of liberation and freedom from this cycle.[7] (3) The understanding that these two states of existence are unified within the mind, representing cyclical existence and enlightenment as one.[8] (4) The fluctuating states of existence and liberation in spiritual context, both of which impact the path of purification.[9] (5) Samsara refers to the cycle of birth and rebirth, while nirvana is the liberation from that cycle.[10]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The relationship between samsara and nirvana elucidates the view that both concepts are interrelated according to the bodhisattva's understanding.[11] (2) Two fundamental concepts in Buddhism; samsara refers to the cycle of birth and rebirth, while nirvana signifies liberation from that cycle.[12] (3) The cyclical realm of birth, death, and rebirth contrasted with the state of liberation and transcendence signified by nirvana.[13] (4) Samsara refers to the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth characterized by suffering, while nirvana is the liberation from this cycle and the attainment of ultimate peace.[14] (5) In the context of Buddhist philosophy, these two states are shown to be fundamentally the same when perceived through the lens of emptiness.[15]
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) The duality outlined by a Bodhisattva indicating that true understanding of both leads to perceiving their non-distinction.[16] (2) Samsara refers to the cycle of rebirth, while nirvana is the ultimate goal of liberation from this cycle.[17]
From: Vimalakirti Sutra
(1) A duality expressing the understanding that to see the nature of samsara equates to being in a state devoid of samsara.[18]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) Samsara refers to worldly existence while nirvana denotes the peaceful state free from suffering.[19]
From: Lankavatara Sutra
(1) The cyclical existence characterized by suffering and the liberation from it; nirvana represents the cessation of desires and attachments.[20]
Hindu concept of 'Samsara and nirvana'
In Hinduism, Samsara represents the cyclical nature of worldly existence, while Nirvana signifies liberation and completeness. The understanding of Brahman facilitates the realization of non-dualism, dissolving the complexities of perceived reality.
From: Shakti and Shakta
(1) The cycle of worldly existence (Samsara) contrasted with the transcendent state of liberation and completeness (Nirvana).[21]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) In the context of Brahman, the differences that complicate understanding and experience of reality ultimately dissolve, revealing non-dualism.[22]
The concept of Samsara and nirvana in local and regional sources
Samsara and nirvana encapsulate the Buddhist view of human existence: Samsara represents the ongoing cycle of suffering, while nirvana signifies the ultimate liberation and realization of true beauty, marking spiritual enlightenment.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Buddhist terms that reflect human existence as a cycle of suffering (Samsara) and the ideal state of liberation and realization of true beauty (Nirvana), respectively.[23]