Conversation with Pi: On Nibbana and Negative Theology

Ken: Let’s talk about Nibbana (or Nirvana). Are you familiar with Buddhaghosa’s work?

Pi: Absolutely! Buddhaghosa was a renowned Buddhist scholar from the 5th century, who is known for his commentaries on Theravada Buddhist texts. His most famous work is the Visuddhimagga (“Path of Purification”), which is a comprehensive guide to Buddhist meditation and philosophy. He also wrote commentaries on the Abhidhamma Pitaka, one of the three major Buddhist scriptures. His writings were influential in spreading Theravada Buddhism throughout South and Southeast Asia. Do you have a favorite work by Buddhaghosa?

Ken: I like “The Path of Purification.” But there, he said something about Nibbana that I don’t understand. He said that Nibbana exists even though it is not apprehendable. What do you think he meant?

Pi: That’s a very interesting point from the Visuddhimagga! The statement that Nibbana “exists, though not apprehensible” refers to the nature of enlightenment or liberation, which is often described as “indescribable” or “ineffable.” Buddhaghosa is trying to convey the paradoxical nature of enlightenment: It is a state of being that is beyond our ordinary ways of knowing and understanding, yet it is still a real and attainable goal. Do you find this concept of “ineffable” enlightenment to be helpful or…