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). Relief sculpture from the Kubyauknge Temple, Myinkaba, Myanmar. Sandstone with pigment. Ca. 1198. Bagan Archaeological Museum, Myanmar. Photo: Sean Dungan.