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.
I think they call it Universal Consciousness or the Universal Mind. Others call it compassion.
Can you find a Buddhist (or even Hindu) dictionary that says Nirvana=Compassion? I'd love that link.
In other words, who are these "others"?
I've heard it referred to as "Cosmic Consciousness" by Alan Watts or "ego death" by psychedelicists. However, I agree with Unseen. The compassion is not equated to nirvana, but is like an attribute of this experience in the same way that westerners attribute their God with the "all-pervasive, ever-forgiving, infinite love."
Another phrase used in eastern philosophy that might be closer related to "nirvana" is what is called "non duality." The manifold universe is, in truth, a Single Reality. There is only one Great Being, which the sages call Brahman, in which all the countless forms of existence reside. That Great Being is utter Consciousness, and It is the very Essence, or Self (Atman) of all beings (according to eastern philosophy).
"no longer a "you" to separate from a "world,"" - I think this has to do with mindfulness. There's always going to be a "you". The question is, are "you" controlled by your ego and conscious mind? Or have you trained your ego and conscious mind to obey you and do your bidding? What is the most compassionate thing to do?
Knowing cosmic consciousness does not localized to spirituality theism. Its a concept that incorporates the general consciousness of sentient beings/human beings/intelligent life forms that primarily focus on empathy, love, understanding and tenderness, and to be the said norm of the cosmos , and very much part of survival as a civilization/ cosmic nation on a planet. In theory, if they lack cosmic consciousness and its said to vibrate lower, the chances of the civilization reaching its peak of self destruction by war or consuming a planet's natural resources are great.
I agree, broadly. Another part of the picture is the actual ego. The ego is a legitimate part of consciousness which as far as I can see, roughly corresponds to the prefrontal cortex.
Its functions include:
"planning[,] complex cognitive behavior, personality expression, decision making, and moderating social behavior." ...
"... abilities to differentiate among conflicting thoughts, determine good and bad, better and best, same and different, future consequences of current activities, working toward a defined goal, prediction of outcomes, expectation based on actions, and social "control" (the ability to suppress urges that, if not suppressed, could lead to socially unacceptable outcomes)."
We tend to confuse the ego with the self, when they are distinct. The ego is a part of the self. It exists to guide, protect, and achieve satisfaction for the self. A great problem arises when the ego tries to solve problems by using only material from within or generated by the ego. To make progress, it has to look beyond itself, to concrete reality and to a healthy relationship with other people, respecting their needs and their rights to autonomy.
I definitely think it is to do with dissolving the boundaries of the ego so that we are no longer just concerned with our own selves, but can expand it to include others within that boundary.
Simon, that's rather nice, but it isn't the Buddhist definition of Nirvana. Buddhists believe in compassion, but compassion isn't Nirvana, though it can be a stop on the way.
The Buddhist definition of Nirvana is vague and does not do the job.
I attained nirvana when I was 17, 45 years ago.
No-one believes you.
One of the rare occasions when Simon and I agree on something.