Nirvana: The Paradox of Ultimate Liberation

In modern worldviews, for practicing yogis and Buddhists, nirvana remains a powerful symbol of complete liberation from earthly attachments. This aspiration for a higher state—where both passions and even the sense of ego vanish—drives many to constant philosophical reflection. In this pursuit, nirvana appears as a paradoxical phenomenon: the absence of a precise, universally accepted definition only underscores its profound significance and mystery. Rather than being defined by concrete characteristics, the state of nirvana evokes an ideal where the mind, will, and emotions merge into a single entity, and desires no longer hold sway over the individual. Even with our limited comprehensive knowledge about its true nature, discussing this phenomenon deepens our understanding of the limits of human existence and guides practitioners toward inner liberation.

Why do yogis actively discuss the concept of nirvana despite their seemingly incomplete understanding of it? Yogis engage in these discussions because, for them, nirvana symbolizes the utmost freedom from worldly desires and passions, and its very definition is deliberately left open-ended. Although their knowledge of nirvana’s essence may be limited, discussing the concept serves as a means of exploring the boundaries of human existence and the pursuit of absolute detachment.

For example, one text states:
“What is the purpose of Buddhist self-denial? Buddha called this goal nirvana. He never allowed himself to define it. Nirvana is the complete extinguishment of passions and even self-awareness, the fading away of existence. But do not assume that this entails ‘nothingness’ akin to death. It is simply another, entirely different state of being. From where does this state arise? Buddha preferred not to answer that question” (source: link ).

This approach to defining nirvana highlights its paradoxical nature: the lack of a clear description does not diminish its significance; rather, it stimulates continual inquiry and discussion. Another source explains that nirvana represents “an incomprehensible highest state of the soul, an absolute detachment from all things external, a complete absence of desires, and a merging of an individual’s intellect, will, and emotions into one” (source: link ). This demonstrates that even with limited understanding of its true nature, the very idea of nirvana plays a central role in philosophical pursuits.

Thus, the active discussion of nirvana among practitioners is linked to its status as an ideal toward which they strive by renouncing earthly attachments. Even if a complete understanding of nirvana remains elusive, its concept continues to serve as a powerful motivator for exploring the meaning of existence and seeking paths to inner liberation.