NIRVANA

When we understand impermanence and nonself, we are already in touch with nirvana. Many people think that nirvana is a place of happiness where people who are enlightened go when they die. No idea could be more misleading. Nirvana can be realized right here and right now, in this very life. Nirvana means liberation and freedom. If we are able to free ourselves from our afflictions such as attachment, hatred, and jealousy, and we can free ourselves from wrong views like our ideas about birth and death, being and nonbeing, coming and going, self and other, same and different, we can be in touch with nirvana in the present moment.

Nirvana cannot be described in words and concepts because it lies outside our language and notions. Nirvana means taking the time to enjoy where we are. The happiness that comes with nirvana is very great. If we want to enjoy nirvana, we have to abandon all the things that bind us in our everyday life, and quite automatically nirvana is there. It is the same as when we abandon our warm blankets and our idleness, open the door, and step outside. Immediately the cool breeze, the moon, and the stars are there for us. Do not wish for anything less than this.