The Maha-Bodhi: Vol. XXXII

Called in the Pali dialect “Nibbāna”, just as’ the Latin “factum” becomes in Italian “fatto,” is the crowning glory of the Buddha’s Religion. Enemies have called it annihilation, as if attainment of absolute happiness involved violent smashing ; it is the very opposite of violence or force of all kinds. Let us approach the conception from our own world. “Change and decay in all around we see”—strife, murder and unrest. Every noble deed or word or thought is the negation of that strife, and Nirvana is the sure reward. What have we to fear? It is good to be good. Being good means serenity. Whateve: that serenity is matters little—it is good.