Section 2: Nirvana, Where Swine Live & The Pianist and the Platypus Summary

In "Nirvana," CB asks his best friend, Van, what happens after death, as Van smokes a joint. Since he recently became Buddhist, Van explains the corporeal body is the source of all suffering and the goal is liberation from the body into nothingness or nirvana. Realizing CB's interest in the afterlife is tied to his dog's death, Van instructs CB to let go of childhood things, reminding him that CB and Van's sister burned Van's blanket to teach him that lesson, though Van smoked the ashes so he could be connected with his blanket forever. CB asks about Van's sister and learns the doctors say she is getting better. Van wants to discuss a happier topic, but neither of them can think of anything to...