Learning Dhamma - THE GOAL - NIBBĀNA [Highest Bliss] in English

Learning the dhamma on THE GOAL - NIBBĀNA
WHAT NIBBĀNA IS?
HIGHEST BLISS
Nibbānam paramam sukham -- Nibbāna is the highest bliss. ~ Dhp.: 203

It is bliss supreme because it is not a kind of happiness experienced by the senses. It is a blissful state of positive relief from mundane experiences.
What is Nibbāna, friend?
The destruction of lust, the destruction of hatred, the destruction of delusion --
that friend, is called Nibbāna. ~ S.IV: 252
THE WAY TO NIBBĀNA
Four classes of noble individuals (Ariya Puggala) attain sainthood step by step and experience Nibbānic bliss. These attainments are divided into four
parts and are related to liberation from the ten fetters (Dasa Sanyojana):-
Magga - Four Paths - the moment of entering into a state of holiness.
Phala - Four Fruits - the consciousness of having attained each state.
Sotapanna - The Path of Stream Winning -- the fruition of Stream Winning.
Sakadāgami - The Path of Once Returning -- the fruition of Once Returning.
Anāgami - The Path of Non-Returning - the fruition of Non- Returning.
Arahant - The Path of Arahant (Perfect One) -the fruition of Arahant.
The Path of Stream Winning is liberation from:-
1. Belief in personality or self-illusion; 2. Sceptical doubt on the Buddha, the Dhamma and the Sangha; 3. Belief in efficacy of rites and rituals;
The Path of Once Returning is partial liberation from:-
4. Sensual craving, and 5. Ill-will;
The Path of Non-Returning is total liberation from:-
6. Residual sensual craving and ill-will;
The Path of an Arahant is total liberation from the remaining five fetters:-
7. Craving for existence in fine material form; 8. Craving for existence in non-material form; 9. Conceit; 10. Restlessness, and 11. Ignorance or lack of clear vision of the Four Noble Truths.
When the ten fetters are completely eradicated, a person attains the perfection
of sainthood. ~ VISM: 675 -- 678; A.II: 133
~ Extracts from "Treasure of the Dhamma" by the late Most Venerable Dr. K. Sri Dhammananda Nayaka Maha Thera

By the virtue of knowledge, may all beings be well, happy and peaceful.

Sabbadanam dhammadanam jinati
"The Gift of Dhamma excels all gifts" - Buddha

(No copyrights intended - "The only and universal copyright holder of the material herein is The Supreme Buddha. The eternal truths that emanated from the Supremely Enlightened tongue of the Buddha do not recognize any ephemeral copyright requirements stipulated by mere worldlings". - Most Venerable Weragoda Sarada Maha Thero).

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