The Process of Parinirvana

[Shi Da Dao]

The dying process, logically speaking, has to be the conception process in reverse. This model must hold until proven otherwise. I do not expect this observation to be contradicted but do allow for the possibility. To me, conscious awareness seems to be similar to a flower unfurling its petals toward the sun (the universal source of light-energy). I have written elsewhere that the process of physical death involves the reverse process as human perception folds-in upon itself - as if a flower is closing its petals and cutting its direct connection with the sun (the 'source' of universal light-energy). Nirvana has to two manifestations, a) within a living body where no further 'karma' is generated and past karma is greatly reduced in effect, and b) attained at the point of physical death so that the body falls away (into its constituent elements). The Buddha explains 'Nirvana' as being partly 'conditioned' (as it is worked toward whilst still alive), and as 'unconditioned' (as ALL conditionality is 'dissolved' and 'uprooted' throughout the past, present and future). Once attained, 'Nirvana' is considered 'non-conditioned' whether or not a living-body is associated with the experience - non-experience (as it is beyond conventional logic and experience). I suspect that modern science will eventually catch-up with Buddhist insight in this area, as it must be understood that the experience of 'enlightenment' is itself the breaking of the ridge-pole of ignorance and a preparation for conventional death.