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WHAT IS DHAMMA ?
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is quite clear if one examines the language of the fire sermon.
The fire sermon does not say that life is burning and death is extinction. It says passions are on fire.
The fire sermon does not say that the passions must be extinguished completely. It says do not add fuel to the flame.
Secondly, critics have failed to make a distinction between Nibbana and Parinibbana.
As the Udana says: “Parinibbana occurs when the body becomes disintegrated, all perceptions become stopped, all sensations die away, the activities cease and consciousness goes away. Thus Parinibbana means complete extinction.”
Nibbana can never have this meaning. Nibbana means enough control over passion so as to enable one to walk on the path of righteousness. It was not intended to mean, anything more.
That Nibbana is another name for righteous life is made clear by the Buddha himself to Radha.
Once the venerable Radha came to the Exalted One. Having done so he saluted the Exalted One and sat down at one side. So seated the venerable Radha thus addressed the Exalted One: “Pray Lord, what for is Nibbana?”
“Nibbana means release from passion” replied the Lord.
“But Nibbana, Lord,—what is the aim of it?”
“Rooted in Nibbana, Radha, the righteous life is lived. Nibbana is its goal. Nibbana is its end.”
That Nibbana does not mean extinction is also made clear by Sariputta in the following sermon:
“Once the Blessed Lord was staying at Shravasti in Anathpindika’s Arama where Sariputta was also staying.
“The Lord, addressing the brethren, said : ‘Almsmen, be ye partakers not of the world’s goods but of my doctrine; in my compassion for you all I am anxious to ensure this.’
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