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International Journal of Applied Research
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ISSN Print: 2394-7500, ISSN Online: 2394-5869, CODEN: IJARPF

g-index: 90

Vol. 10, Issue 12, Part C (2024)

Metaphorical depictions of nibbāna in early Buddhism

Metaphorical depictions of nibbāna in early Buddhism

Author(s)
Le Quang Nhan and Tran Van Tuan
Abstract
This paper explores metaphorical descriptions of nibbāna as provided by early Buddhist scriptures, paying particular attention to the Pāli Canon. Nibbāna is a term frequently applied to describe the ultimate goal Buddhism’s practitioners are after. Yet, again and again, nibbāna is described metaphorically rather than in concrete terms as an end to suffering and rebirth cycle. Within these early Buddhist texts, nibbāna is not only expressed but also often in a rich treasure of metaphoric language rather than as some abstract notion of doctrine. Metaphors are used to relate the complex and ineffable nature of nibbāna, providing a set of terms by which such a transcendent and non-conceptual reality can be at least partially comprehended-the better to make it attainable for both practitioners and scholars.
Among early texts the best-preserved range of metaphors is to be found in the Pāli Canon. Here one will find extinguishing a flame: the idea that in it craving, as “fires,” is stilled; the idea of the unconditioned: this again is how nibbāna is set as transcendent to the causal sequence of dependent origination; and emptiness, here conceived as a state with no conceptual differences. Other significant metaphors of crossing a flood, coolness, and reaching the farther shore evoke other dimensions of the liberative experience. Every metaphor encapsulates different dimensions of the transformative journey to liberation.
By analyzing these metaphors, the study reveals how early Buddhist texts use figurative language to guide practitioners toward an experiential understanding of nibbāna while being aware of the limitations of language in capturing ultimate truth. This dependence on metaphor shines light on how early Buddhist communities conceptualized and communicated the experience of nibbāna, as well as how they interpreted many different Buddhist teachings over time. What the research here reveals is that metaphor is not merely an instructional device but a pointer beyond conceptual frames into direct spiritual insight.

Pages: 149-157  |  113 Views  43 Downloads


International Journal of Applied Research
How to cite this article:
Le Quang Nhan, Tran Van Tuan. Metaphorical depictions of nibbāna in early Buddhism. Int J Appl Res 2024;10(12):149-157. DOI: 10.22271/allresearch.2024.v10.i12c.12225
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