Inquiring about Nirvana

The Buddha opposed speculating on the nature of nirvana and instead highlighted
the necessity of working toward its achievement. He likened those who
questioned the existence of nirvana to a person who has been shot by a poisoned
arrow who, instead of taking the shaft out, keeps asking pointless questions about
the shooter, such as his name and clan, how far away he was standing, and other
unnecessary topics.

The early sources' descriptions of nirvana are primarily negative, which is

consistent with the Buddha's unwillingness to provide further information on the
subject. A lesser number of positive epithets are also present, including "the
auspicious," "the good," "purity," peace," "truth," and "the further shore." These
vary from "the lack of desire" and "the extinction of thirst" to "blowing out" and
"cessation."

There are certain texts that imply nirvana is an unborn, uncreated, unformed,
transcendent reality. It might be challenging to decide what meaning to assign to
such phrases. In the end, everyone save those who have experienced it is still in
the dark about what final nirvana actually is. The end of pain and rebirth,
however, is what we can be certain of.