Dzogchen Rinpoche Migyur Namkhe Dorje

Parinirvāṇa (yongs su mya ngan las 'das)

• The expression "final nirvāṇa" (Skt. parinirvāṇa) refers specifically to the passing away of buddhas, such as Śākyamuni, and it is considered to be the last of the twelve principal deeds demonstrated by the buddha-body of emanation, exemplified by the death of Śākyamuni at Kuśinigara. In general, nirvāṇa is the state of total cessation of all sufferings, dissonant mental states and also of the psychological tendencies and imprints which cause our dualistic perceptions and lead sentient beings to a state of confusion within cyclic existence. See also under nirvāṇa. GD (from the Glossary to Tibetan Elemental Divination Paintings)