parinirvana

Parinirvana is a Buddhist concept that refers to the ultimate state of nirvana attained by the Buddha at his death, marking the end of his cycle of rebirths.

Parinirvana, also known as "final nirvana," is a central concept in Buddhism referring to the ultimate state of nirvana achieved by the Buddha at the time of his physical death. Unlike the nirvana attained during life, which liberates a person from desires and suffering but still leaves them within the cycle of life, parinirvana marks the complete release from the cycle of rebirth (samsara). This state is reached when the Buddha or a fully enlightened arhat dies, having completely eradicated all mental and karmic impurities. Parinirvana symbolizes eternal peace and the total cessation of conditioned existence. The commemoration of the Buddha's parinirvana is observed by Buddhists through ceremonies and meditations, recalling the Buddha's final entry into the state of absolute liberation. This event is often depicted in Buddhist art through statues and paintings showing the Buddha lying in a serene posture, illustrating his ultimate peace.