Which religious tradition is most closely associated with the goal of nirvana?

Which religious tradition is most closely associated with the goal of nirvana?

• A. Hinduism
• B. Jainism
• C. Buddhism
• D. Sikhism

Answer: (C)

Nirvana is the ultimate liberation from the cycle of birth and death, achieved by waking up to the true nature of reality and putting out the fires of craving, hatred, and ignorance. In Buddhist teaching, the path to nirvana is laid out through the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, which guide ethical conduct, mental discipline, and wisdom. This concept is central to Buddhism, where nirvana signifies the end of suffering and the cessation of rebirth. Other traditions speak of liberation too—Hinduism uses moksha, Jainism emphasizes moksha achieved by shedding karma through strict practice, and Sikhism talks about mukti through devotion to God and righteous living. Yet the term nirvana and its specific goal are most closely associated with Buddhism, where attaining nirvana marks the end of the cycle of worldly existence.

Nirvana is the ultimate liberation from the cycle of birth and death, achieved by waking up to the true nature of reality and putting out the fires of craving, hatred, and ignorance. In Buddhist teaching, the path to nirvana is laid out through the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, which guide ethical conduct, mental discipline, and wisdom. This concept is central to Buddhism, where nirvana signifies the end of suffering and the cessation of rebirth. Other traditions speak of liberation too—Hinduism uses moksha, Jainism emphasizes moksha achieved by shedding karma through strict practice, and Sikhism talks about mukti through devotion to God and righteous living. Yet the term nirvana and its specific goal are most closely associated with Buddhism, where attaining nirvana marks the end of the cycle of worldly existence.