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Achieving the "Highest Happiness"

Posted: Wed Nov 14, 2012 3:00 am
by Tom
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?

Re: Achieving the "Highest Happiness"

Posted: Wed Nov 14, 2012 5:19 am
by Magoo
The only time one would know this, is when one has attained Nibbanna, so I cant answer this just yet. Maybe tomorrow? :thinking:

Re: Achieving the "Highest Happiness"

Posted: Wed Nov 14, 2012 7:24 am
by retrofuturist
Greetings,

As I understand the suttas, it can occur with stream-entry...
SN 12.68 wrote:"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. :)

Re: Achieving the "Highest Happiness"

Posted: Mon Jun 24, 2013 9:16 pm
by Tom
I'm referring to a type of "knowing" that knows this with absolute certainty.