Theravada · 1906–1993
Ajahn Buddhadasa
Theravada · reformer · Nibbana Here and Now
A teacher who stripped nibbana of its otherworldly varnish and returned it to this very life.
The essence of the teaching: Nibbana is not death and not a reward after death, but the cooling of the fires of greed, anger, and ignorance here and now. The key to it is viveka, the seclusion of body, mind, and spirit from all that you cling to.
Transmission
Ajahn Buddhadasa taught that nibbana is often confused with death, but this is a mistake. Nibbana is the coolness that comes when the inner fires go out. It can be tasted in any moment when greed, anger, and delusion cool, even for an instant. To come to it, three kinds of seclusion are needed: of the body – from needless noise and bustle, of the mind – from hindrances and captivity, and of the spirit – from attachment itself and the weight of "mine." Do not wait for liberation after death. Let the fires go out now – and the coolness is already here.
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