| [quote:post_uid0="Drunksader"]Whether Nirvana is a state of enlightenment or not is irrelevant - it is still a goal that those who believe in it base their beliefs around, much like going to Heaven is the goal of Christianity. Same applies to Greek mythology - there's still someplace you go after you die and if you follow your faith you will get to the most desirable of destinations in the afterlife.
.[/quote:post_uid0]
Actually, it depends on what Buddhist sect you are discussing.
Many sects do not push their students towards enlightenment. In Zen, it's possible to achieve enlightenment in moments.
Furthermore, if a Buddhist "strives" for Enlightenment or Nirvana, or has a goal to achieve it, then he's already on the wrong path and will not arrive there.
Buddhism is a religion with no goals. The practice is enough, no Buddhist needs Nirvana. |