Mahparinirva

Mahaparinirvana refers to the final nirvana attained by Gautama Buddha after his death. In Buddhism, nirvana is the ultimate state of liberation from suffering and the cycle of rebirth (samsara). Mahaparinirvana, therefore, signifies the complete and final passing away of a Buddha into this ultimate state, where the physical body ceases to exist and the individual is no longer subject to any form of existence or karma.

The concept of Mahaparinirvana is central to Buddhist teachings, particularly in Theravada Buddhism, where it is seen as the ultimate goal for all sentient beings. It is distinct from parinirvana, which can be attained by arahants (enlightened beings) during their lifetime, though it is still a state of liberation from suffering. Mahaparinirvana is specifically the final release of a Buddha.

The Buddha's Mahaparinirvana is described in various Buddhist scriptures, notably the Mahaparinibbana Sutta. This text details the events leading up to his passing, including his final teachings and the circumstances of his death. It emphasizes that the Buddha, having fulfilled his mission, was able to pass into this state of ultimate peace and freedom. The event is often depicted as a moment of profound significance, marking the end of a Buddha's earthly existence and the complete cessation of all conditioned phenomena related to them.