On the Equation of Samsara and Nirvana

Recently, I received an email from the editor of my upcoming Buddhist book. She seems to have the impression that I am equating enlightenment with Samsara. That is not what I did in my book. But I do equate Samsara with Nirvana. That is a classic Mahayana position, dating back to Nagarjuna. Since this is a subtle point to understand, I am writing for following to clarify.

In my chapter on the Third Noble Truth, I emphasized that nirvana and samsara are “not two” — a key Mahayana doctrine. This is distinct from the Theravada perspective, which typically presents a dualistic view of nirvana and samsara. Let me explain further:

Mahayana Perspective: In the Mūlamadhyamakakārikā (Chapter 25, verse 19), Nagarjuna states: “There is not the slightest difference between samsara and nirvana. There is not the slightest difference between nirvana and samsara.” This teaching hinges on the concept of śūnyatā (emptiness), which Nagarjuna argues underlies both samsara and nirvana. They are not separate realities; rather, they are different ways of perceiving the same truth. When one is clouded by ignorance, one experiences samsara; when ignorance is dispelled, one experiences nirvana. Liberation comes not from escaping the world but from recognizing its true nature.