Q. Can Nirvana be created and destroyed?

A. Nirvana that has been as it is, as the foundation of all things since time immemorial, can be neither created nor destroyed. We have been there all the time and are there even at this moment. There is no escaping from it even for a moment because everything, including us, is also part of it.

The reason why we cannot enjoy it is not that we are not there, but that we are not aware that we are already there, owing to us being deluded by illusions. So, people who are struggling to enter Nirvana are compared to those who are looking for their houses in their living rooms.

We can realise the truth that we are in Nirvana only when we are free from being deluded by illusions. Therefore, being fooled by illusions can be likened to destroying Nirvana. 

Student: “How can I enter Nirvana?”

Master: “It breaks if you try to enter it.”

©Boo Ahm

All writing ©Boo Ahm. All images ©Simon Hathaway

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