parinirvanta

Parinirvana, also transliterated as parinirvāṇa (and occasionally parinirvanta), is a Buddhist term describing the final release of an awakened being at the moment of death. It denotes the complete extinction of the fires of craving, aversion, and ignorance and the end of rebirth in samsara for someone who had attained nirvana during life. In many traditions the term is linked to the historical Buddha’s passing, but it is applicable to other arahants as well.

Etymology and usage: The word comes from Sanskrit parinirvāṇa, meaning “beyond nirvana” or “complete extinction.” In Pali sources, a related term is parinibbāna, often used to describe the Buddha’s final passing and release. The concept appears across Theravada and Mahayana texts, with some variation in emphasis between traditions.

Doctrinal significance: Parinirvana is considered the final, irreversible release from samsara. It marks the complete cessation of the physical aggregates and any further rebirth for an awakened being. While nirvana can be described as liberation within the cycle of existence for a living practitioner, parinirvana refers to the ultimate release at death. The Buddha’s parinirvana is typically dated in traditional accounts to Kushinagar, though historical dating varies by tradition.

In practice and imagery: Parinirvana underscores core Buddhist themes of impermanence and the possibility of complete liberation. In art and iconography, the event is often depicted as the reclining Buddha, symbolizing final release.

Variations: The spelling parinirvanta represents a regional or transliteration variant. Across Buddhist schools, the basic idea remains the same, though interpretive details may differ regarding how parinirvana relates to the path, awakening, and posthumous realization.