Achieving the "Highest Happiness"

[ccharles]

Is there a point in Buddhist practice where one can know with absolute certainty that Nibbana, is the "highest happiness" possible? As in achieving a direct knowing that leaves absolutely no room for doubt and transcends senses, perceptions, thoughts, (possibly even consciousness), etc.? Can a pyrrhonist reach a point where even he can say he "knows" this to be true with absolute certainty?

[Magoo]

The only time one would know this, is when one has attained Nibbanna, so I cant answer this just yet. Maybe tomorrow?

[retrofuturist]

Greetings,

As I understand the suttas, it can occur with stream-entry...

"My friend, although I have seen properly with right discernment, as it actually is present, that 'The cessation of becoming is Unbinding,' still I am not an arahant whose effluents are ended. It's as if there were a well along a road in a desert, with neither rope nor water bucket. A man would come along overcome by heat, oppressed by the heat, exhausted, dehydrated, & thirsty. He would look into the well and would have knowledge of 'water,' but he would not dwell touching it with his body. In the same way, although I have seen properly with right discernment, as it actually is present, that 'The cessation of becoming is Unbinding,' still I am not an arahant whose effluents are ended."

Metta,
Retro.