Topic summary
Parinirvana
In Buddhism, parinirvana (Sanskrit: parinirvāṇa; Pali: parinibbāna) describes the state entered after death by someone who has attained nirvana during their lifetime. It implies a release from samsara, karma and rebirth as well as the dissolution of the skandhas.
In some Mahāyāna scriptures, notably the Mahāyāna Mahāparinirvāṇa Sūtra, parinirvāṇa is described as the realm of the eternal true Self of the Tathāgata.
In Buddhist art, the event is represented by a reclining Buddha figure, often surrounded by disciples.