Nirvana (Sanskrit, “extinguishing”), in Indian religious philosophy, a transcendent state free from suffering and individual phenomenal existence, an ultimate religious goal most frequently identified with Buddhism. The word is derived from a verb meaning “to become cool,” or “to blow out,” as in the extinguishing of a candle. The connotation is that only in nirvana are the flames of lust, hatred, greed, and ignorance extinguished. With the attainment of nirvana, the otherwise endless cycle of rebirths is broken (see Transmigration). Its nature has been much debated in Western scholarship, some scholars maintaining that it involves total annihilation and others interpreting it as eternal bliss. Both views are problematic, for nirvana is ultimately indescribable and can only be known directly. Mahayana Buddhists in East Asia interpret nirvana not as an external goal, but as one's own innermost nature, which needs only to be recognized. They speak of it as Buddhahood, suchness, and emptiness.

See also Hinduism; Jainism; Mysticism.