ñavimutti

ñavimutti is a term found in Theravada Buddhism, specifically within the Pali Canon, that translates to "release from the senses" or "liberation through the senses." It describes a state of spiritual attainment where an individual is no longer bound by the ordinary functioning and attachments associated with the five senses: sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch.

This liberation is not about ceasing to use the senses, but rather about transforming one's relationship with sensory experiences. In the state of ñavimutti, the practitioner experiences sensory input without craving, aversion, or delusion. The senses become transparent, allowing for direct insight into the nature of reality, such as impermanence (anicca), suffering (dukkha), and non-self (anatta).

Achieving ñavimutti is a significant step on the path to enlightenment (nirvana). It is often associated with the advanced stages of meditation and the cultivation of wisdom. By transcending the ordinary reactions to sensory stimuli, the mind becomes free from the distractions and defilements that arise from sensory engagement, paving the way for deeper realization and ultimate liberation. It represents a profound shift in consciousness, where the senses are no longer sources of bondage but conduits for wisdom and freedom.