In Buddhism, a transcendent state of enlightenment in which there is no suffering, desire, nor sense of self, and the subject is released from the cycle of death and rebirth.  Achieving nirvana is the Buddhist’s ultimate  goal.

Parinibbana (Nirvana after death).  From the Kubyauknge Temple, Myinkaba, Burma. Sandstone with pigment. Ca. 1198.  Bagan Archaeological Museum. Photo: Sean Dungan.