Is ‘Unbinding’ the same as ‘Nibbana’ and are they the same as the “end of stress”?
I am not clear if it means an end of something, such as aggregates of clinging, for good so we should not expect to witness them again, or if it means Unbinding is the observations of how all things arise and pass away (closer to constant witnessing)? Perhaps these two do not capture it either?
I am seeking clarity as a benchmark.
Below are some examples from two sutta (I am not limiting answers to these if you find more clear examples)
Below in the italic quote of AN 4.179, unbinding seems to be a discernment or perception of change, rather than an ending as such...
1. AN 4.179 - Nibbana Sutta: Unbinding
Link: http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka ... .than.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; (see useful footnote).
Italics mine.Then Ven. Ananda went to Ven. Sariputta and, on arrival, exchanged courteous greetings with him. After an exchange of friendly greetings & courtesies, he sat to one side. As he was sitting there, he said to Ven. Sariputta, "Friend Sariputta, what is the cause, what is the reason, why some beings do not become totally unbound in the present life?"
"There's the case, friend Ananda, where beings do not discern, as it actually is present, that 'This perception has a share in decline'; 'This perception has a share in stability'; 'This perception has a share in distinction'; 'This perception has a share in penetration.' [1] This is the cause, this is the reason, why some beings do not become totally unbound in the present life."
"And what, friend Sariputta, is the cause, what is the reason, why some beings do become totally unbound in the present life?"
"There's the case, friend Ananda, where beings discern, as it actually is present, that 'This perception has a share in decline'; 'This perception has a share in stability'; 'This perception has a share in distinction'; 'This perception has a share in penetration.' This is the cause, this is the reason, why some beings become totally unbound in the present life."
In the quote from AN 9.36 below, unbinding appears to be the resolution or end of all fabrications for good:
2. AN 9.36 Jhana Sutta: Mental Absorption
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka ... .than.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
With metta...
"'I tell you, the ending of the mental fermentations depends on the first jhana.' Thus it has been said. In reference to what was it said? There is the case where a monk, secluded from sensuality, secluded from unskillful qualities, enters & remains in the first jhana: rapture & pleasure born of seclusion, accompanied by directed thought & evaluation. He regards whatever phenomena there that are connected with form, feeling, perception, fabrications, & consciousness, as inconstant, stressful, a disease, a cancer, an arrow, painful, an affliction, alien, a disintegration, an emptiness, not-self. He turns his mind away from those phenomena, and having done so, inclines his mind to the property of deathlessness: 'This is peace, this is exquisite — the resolution of all fabrications; the relinquishment of all acquisitions; the ending of craving; dispassion; cessation; Unbinding.'...