Nibbana The Mind Stilled Bhikkhu K. Nanananda

Ranjith Daluwatta

Nibbāna-The Mind Stilled is the translation of a series of 33 sermons titled Nivane Niveema ( Sinhala : නිවනේ නිවීම), delivered in Sinhala by Venerable Bhikkhu Katukurunde Ñāṇananda during the late 1980s & early 1990s. The main focus of the sermons was on the psychological import of the term nibbāna and the deeper philosophical implications underlying this much-vexed term. Introduction by Ven Nanananda The invitation for this series of sermons came from my revered teacher, the late Venerable Matara Sri Ñāṇārāma Mahāthera , who was the resident meditation teacher of Meetirigala Nissarana Vanaya Meditation Centre . Under his inspiring patronage these sermons were delivered once every fortnight before the group of resident monks of Nissarana Vanaya, during the period 12.08.1988 – 30.01.1991. In these sermons I have attempted to trace the original meaning and significance of the Pali term Nibbāna (Skt. Nirvāna) based on the evidence from the discourses of the Pali Canon. This led to a detailed analysis and a reappraisal of some of the most controversial suttas on Nibbāna often quoted by scholars in support of their interpretations. The findings, however, were not presented as a dry scholastic exposition of mere academic interest. Since the sermons were addressed to a meditative audience keen on realizing Nibbāna, edifying similes, metaphors and illustrations had their place in the discussion. The gamut of 33 sermons afforded sufficient scope for dealing with almost all the salient teachings in Buddhism from a practical point of view. PLEASE READ AND LISTEN IN SINHALA BY CLICKING HERE