The Buddha strongly affirms that the complete
cure of suffering is possible and attainable. And
he has found the method. How wonderful it is!
For as long as the cure is not found, we may go
to the deepest ocean or to the darkest cave or
even orbit in outer space and believe whatever
we choose to believe, dukkha will find us. From
dukkha there is no escape, no escape for you or
me.
Freedom from suffering and rounds of rebirths
is Nibbana. Nibbana is composed of 'ni' and
'vana' which means 'departure from or end of
craving'. This is a state which is not subjected to
the laws of birth, decay and death. This state is
so sublime that the human language is far too
poor even to express it.
It is more wonderful than the joy of a blind man
who is able to see a resplendent sunset for the
first time, or of a new father who hears the first
wail of his newborn child from the delivery
room. The destruction of craving is far, far more
wonderful than these. Nibbana is the one
absolute reality, and the highest goal.
Nibbana is beyond logic and reasoning. We may
engage in highly speculative discussions
regarding Nibbana or ultimate reality, but we
are still unable to understand it this way.
Instead, we should walk the Path patiently and
with diligence, train and purify ourselves. With
the necessary spiritual development, we may
one day realize it ourselves.
Do we have to arrive at this stage after we are
dead? No, Nibbana can be realized in this very
life: it is not necessary to wait till one dies to
attain it.
5.The Buddhist Approach
Many people wrongly imagine that the life of a
Buddhist is melancholic or sorrowful because
the religion teaches Dukkha. On the contrary, a
true Buddhist is the happiest of beings. He
realizes the characteristics of life and is never
upset by them. He has no fears or anxieties. He
is always calm and serene and is not upset by
changes or calamities because he sees things as
they are.
The Buddha himself was never melancholic or
gloomy. He was described by his
contemporaries as 'ever smiling'.Once the king of Kosala told the Buddha that
many a disciple of other religious systems
looked haggard, coarse, pale and emaciated.
The Buddha's disciple, on the other hand, were
joyful and elated, jubilant and exultant,
enjoying the spiritual life, with faculties pleased,
free from anxiety, serene, peaceful and
lighthearted. The king added that this was
because the disciples had realized the great and
full significance of the Blessed One's teachings.Although there is suffering in life, a Buddhist
should not be gloomy over it, or become angry
or impatient at it. What is necessary is not
anger or impatience, but the understanding of
thequestion of suffering, how it comes about,
and how to get rid of it. We then work to
overcome it accordingly with patience,
intelligence, determination and energy.