英語で仏教の基礎を味わう第四回です。今日は「涅槃」どんな何？」ということのお話しです。難しい言葉ですが、仏教において大事な言葉ですので、紹介させていただきました。英文を以下に記載します。

●チャプター①

The Japanese word Nehan is a transliteration of the Indian word nirvana or nibbana, meaning “the state of a flame being blown out.” It represents the quiet, refreshing state of mind that exists when the fires of raging attachment and desire are extinguished.

On the other hand, “enlightenment” is the truth that the Buddha grasped during meditation by logical inquiry. In accordance with the contents of his enlightenment, the Buddha struggled against the attachments and the desires in his own mind. Extinguishing this vigorously burning flame, he achieved a tranquil state of mind separated from suffering. This is the realm of nirvana.

●チャプター②

So it may be said that “enlightenment” possesses a somewhat logical nuance, whereas “nirvana” seems rather more emotional. In general usage, enlightenment and nirvana can be thought of as having the same meaning, and to have truly attained both is to have achieved true awakening.

Further, one can take the “flame” of “the state of flame being extinguished” as referring to “ the flame of life.” Therefore, nirvana can also have the meaning of death. As a matter of fact, the death of the Buddha is referred to as “the Great Extinction,” in the sense of “absolute nirvana.”