What is the path to Nirvana?

Answer 1

I have read a lot about reaching nirvana and I don't agree with the way things work. In order to reach YOUR nirvana, is finding peace with yourself. Finding nirvana isn't the same for everyone. If that was the case, everyone would be the same. It is really rare to actually reach it but, It's not impossible. If you just let go, think, or do what makes you happiest, then you're bound to reach nirvana. For example: If someone has found their soulmate (which is also rare). Their nirvana may be the short time of an orgasm with this person. Or if someone completely 100% bonds with a band or type of music. Getting high and listening to the music may be their nirvana. Or maybe just listening to it. I'm just giving little examples. Basically, nirvana is different for everyone. == == == == Letting go...of desire, grasping, repelling, identification, and life (in general, as well as specifically). For a more traditional answer - the Noble 8-Fold Path...

The Four Noble Truths

1. The Reality of Suffering--dukkha

2. The Cause of Suffering --samudaya

The principle cause of suffering is the attachment to "desire" or "craving", tanha. Both desire to have (wanting) and desire not to have (aversion).

 desire for sense-pleasures--kama-tanha,

 desire to become--bhava-tanha,

 desire to get rid of--vibhava-tanha.

3. Suffering can end, Nirvana is peace --nirodha

The end of suffering is non-attachment, or letting go of desire or craving. This is the state of Nibbana (Nirvana), where greed, hatred, and delusion are extinct.

4. The Path to the Cessation of Suffering--magga

The Eight-Fold Path:

Widsom--Panna

 Right Understanding/Knowledge--samma ditthi

 Right Thought/Thinking--samma sankappa

Morality--Sila

 Right Speech--samma vaca

 Right Action/Conduct--samma kammanta

 Right Livelihood--samma ajiva

Concentration--Samadhi

 Right Effort--samma vayama

 Right Mindfulness--samma sati

 Right Concentration--samma samadhi

~ Eric Putkonen

Answer 2

Nirvana means lasting peace and you can only reach it by following the eight fold path, the eight fold path are eight steps taught by the Buddha to rach nirvana.