Meaning and relevance of the highest state of consciousness
Nirvana equates to spiritual liberation, more along the lines of being extinguished. Moksha, one of the four goals of life too, is another term for this ultimate freedom from the cycle of birth, death and rebirth. Although Moksha is ideally used in Hinduism, Nirvana is viewed as a part of Buddhism. Attaining Nirvana is often achieved after the completion of the 16 Samskaras.
What is Nirvana?
Nirvana broadly means freedom, freedom from everything. It typically translates to blowing out, hinting towards the end of everything. Disappearance, death, when something ceases to exist, these things are associated with Nirvana. Drawing to a close too adds to the list, like a sunset. The syllables Nir Var Na when placed separately and literally translated word for word, can mean multiple things like escape from the woven web or freedom from entangled roots. All these schools of thought imply one thing essentially, to break free from worldly shackles that restrain us.
Extinguish the fire
The definition of blowing out extends to extinguishing fire or a lamp. According to ancient Vedic scriptures in Hinduism, fire formed an essential element to be present during times of ritual, sacrifices and performing ceremonies. The prayers to god were to be offered only through these fires. Once entering the Grihastha Ashram or state of being a householder, it was compulsory for men to have four or five of such domestic fires in their homes in various locations at all times for sacrificial traditions and general customs. It was crucial for these fires to stay lit at all costs as it was deemed inauspicious otherwise. In case the fire went out, the head of the family had to relight the fire while performing necessary rituals.
But when the man of the family announces the end of Grihastha stage and goes on to Sanyasa stage after being a Vanaspratha or forest dweller, he has to renounce the usage of fire. He has to both symbolically and physically extinguish fire from all aspects of his life. Nirvana is life without fire. Fire represents feelings of anger, lust, jealousy, greed, hatred, arrogance, delusion and majorly desires of all worldly pleasures. Only after putting these bodily and mental fires to rest, one can head towards Nirvana. It is a phase of utmost stability where there is no longing for any external stimuli for the mind, there are no goals to be achieved, just a state of peace and calm. To constantly chase goals causes restlessness and makes an individual suffer. But once there is a balance and no yearning for more.
Nirvana does not take one away from solely sorrow, it makes one distance themselves from happiness too. Ironically, even the state of happiness becomes problematic as when one gets accustomed to it, there is always hope for more and after a point sets in dissatisfaction. The state of Nirvana is about being satisfied, it is not a destination but the highest state of consciousness where peace is the reality.
Attaining Nirvana
Nirvana is also synonymous with a state of enlightenment and awakening which can be achieved after supreme levels or spirituality. This involves gathering knowledge and wisdom. Only by letting go of ignorance and learning the lessons of life, accumulating experiences, one can get closer to Nirvana. Shedding of ego, pride, delusions or moh maya of the world is a significant step in this journey. To reach this stage, an individual also has to maintain the dominance of only one Guna in the body which is Sattva. Concentrated Meditation, Yoga and acquiring knowledge are the prime paths of reaching enlightenment. The Karma from past lives too can influence this.
