Buddhist traditions, Nivedita and Coomaraswamy
Nirvana
The collection rejects a simple choice between Nirvana as being and as non-being. It uses the image of space enclosed by a pot becoming unconfined when the pot breaks to explain release from individuality. In the final-release narrative the Buddha’s body passes away while the teaching and three gems remain. Dissolution of the person is set beside the continuing means of the path.
Also known as Nibbana · Release
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In the sources
Principal account
TraditionalThe collection rejects a simple choice between Nirvana as being and as non-being. It uses the image of space enclosed by a pot becoming unconfined when the pot breaks to explain release from individuality.
Further detail
TraditionalIn the final-release narrative the Buddha’s body passes away while the teaching and three gems remain. Dissolution of the person is set beside the continuing means of the path.
Context & interpretation
This entry presents the collection’s own comparative explanation and death narrative. Its pot-and-space interpretation is attributed to the authors, not offered as an uncontested definition accepted by every Buddhist tradition.
Original passages
Source 1
Myths of the Hindus and Buddhists
a freeing from the fetters of individualityOpen this page in the book
Passage & edition details
Location recorded at citation review: Myths of the Hindus & Buddhists (1914), active reader leaf 303
Exact passage checked against active scan text and original-leaf mapping; scan line breaks normalised.
- Edition
- IMJ-0109-E001
- Reader page
- IMJ-0109-E001-P0303
- Original scan leaf
- 303
- Recorded leaf number
- 303
- Current Reader position
- 294
- Reader verification
- Source-preserving update confirmed
Source 2
Myths of the Hindus and Buddhists
the three gems will remainOpen this page in the book
Passage & edition details
Location recorded at citation review: Myths of the Hindus & Buddhists (1914), active reader leaf 344
Exact passage checked against active scan text and original-leaf mapping; scan line breaks normalised.
- Edition
- IMJ-0109-E001
- Reader page
- IMJ-0109-E001-P0344
- Original scan leaf
- 344
- Recorded leaf number
- 344
- Current Reader position
- 335
- Reader verification
- Source-preserving update confirmed
Continue exploring
Three Jewels
Buddha, the teaching and the community, which the final narrative leaves as enduring points of reliance.
Shared source pageAnanda
The disciple who pleads for women’s admission and grieves at Buddha’s final departure.
Same subject and traditionBodhisattva
The Buddha-elect whose long preparation joins sacrifice to the power to enlighten others.
Same subject and traditionWheel of the Law
The collection’s image for Buddha’s continuing proclamation of the teaching.