In Buddhism, what does "Nirvana" represent?

In Buddhism, Nirvana represents a fundamental state of liberation from suffering, desire, and the cycle of rebirth known as samsara. Achieving Nirvana signifies the end of suffering and a profound realization of truth and peace. This state is reached when an individual fully understands the Four Noble Truths and has let go of attachment, ignorance, and craving, which are seen as the root causes of suffering.

Nirvana is not merely an experience but is often described as the ultimate goal of Buddhist practice, representing complete liberation and the cessation of all forms of craving and dissatisfaction. In this way, it transcends ordinary experiences and is both a transformative state of being and an important concept for understanding Buddhist teachings.

While spiritual enlightenment can be an aspect of reaching Nirvana, the term itself is specifically oriented toward the liberation from the cycle of rebirth and suffering, which distinguishes it from other concepts within Buddhism. Therefore, the choice that accurately reflects the meaning of Nirvana is that it represents a state of liberation from suffering.