Nirvana

The main theme of "Spring-Watching Pavilion" is the search for nirvana, a state of eternal bliss and understanding. At the end of the poem, Ho indicates that she has found it, or at least has found the way to find it: "Where is nirvana? / Nirvana is here, nine times out of ten." The search for nirvana is the primary focus of Buddhism, a religion that says the only way to achieve nirvana is to transcend the human, perishable world by eliminating the desires of the self. Theravada Buddhism claims to be the descendant of the original Buddhist teachings, and says that the only way a person can achieve nirvana is to follow the path of Buddha, an ancient prince. For Theravada Buddhists, this path must be followed alone, without assistance. Mahayana Buddhism, the type of Buddhism referenced in the poem, offers more options for its followers. Mahayana Buddhism...