Questions and Answers on Nibbana & Enlightenment

Nibbana & Enlightenment

How is Nibbana different from the ever­lasting heaven, as taught in some religions?

Nibbana (Nirvana in Sanskrit) is not a realm of existence or heaven. It is a state attained by the complete liberation from dukka, by the complete elimination of the root cause, which is craving (tanha). A person who has attained the state of Nibbana will no longer acquire kamma that keeps the cycle of life going, hence there will no longer be rebirth.

Nibbana cannot be described in terms of our normal experiences, which are so limited. Therefore Nibbana is generally described in negative terms such as 'extinction of desire', 'extinction of hatred', 'Unconditioned' (conditions that produce cause and effect), 'Cessation' (of continuity) etc.

A person who has attained Nibbana experiences a state of supreme joy that comes from being completely free from attachment, free from hatred, free from delusions.

Nibbana can be attained in this life, not after death. As this is a long and difficult process, the success of attainment in this life very much depends on whether the person had practised the path in his/her previous lifetimes. The Buddha and many of his followers attained this state during their own lifetimes.

What is Enlightenment?

Enlightenment is the ultimate state of spiritual development attained by the complete eradication of craving and release from the endless cycle of life. An enlightened person will have developed an intuitive wisdom (sati panna) which enables him or her to see clearly the true nature of the world, i.e. the three characteristics of existence, namely, dukkha (suffering), anicca (impermanence or the transient nature of things) and anatta (non-existence of a permanent soul).

An enlightened person enjoys a state of supreme joy which comes from being entirely free from cravings and attachments.

The path to Enlightenment is the Noble Eightfold Path as taught by the Buddha.

One who has entered the first stage of enlightenment has a glimpse of Nibbana and is called a Sotapanna (Stream winner or enterer): the stream meaning the Noble Eightfold Path. At this stage, he has eradicated three of the ten fetters. That is, wrong views, doubts and adherence to wrongful rites and rituals. A Sotapanna will be reborn no more than seven times.

By continuing to develop Insight, he enters the second stage, Sakadagami (once-returner). He will be reborn in the human plane only once. At this stage, he has reduced two further fetters, sense desires and ill will. Thoughts of lust and anger may still be present, but to a lesser extent.

Continuing to progress, he reaches the third stage, in which above two fetters are completely eradicated. He is now known as Anagami (Non-returner). An Anagami will be reborn in a celestial plane (called a Pure Abode) before finally attaining Nibbana.

At the final stage of sainthood, the remaining five fetters are completely eradicated and he becomes an Arahant. The five fetters are: attachment to material planes of existence, attachment to immaterial planes of existence, pride, restlessness, and ignorance.

On death, an arahant attains the state of parinibbana (complete nibbana), and there is no more rebirth.

Can one become enlightened while being a family person?

One who follows the Noble Eightfold Path can enter the 'stream' leading to enlightenment and progress further in the spiritual path while leading an ordinary life. The life of a monk, free from responsibilities and toils of normal life will no doubt help the spiritual progress. The ancient texts describe many instances where lay persons have attained enlightenment at the time of the Buddha. Usually, such persons would have followed a path of spiritual development in their previous existences.

A person who has reached the final stages of enlightenment will no longer have any desire to continue in a domestic environment.

How should a Buddhist handle emotions like being insulted or provoked to anger?
Does an enlightened person feel angry at all?

Vippasana meditation develops awareness of thoughts such as anger or lustful desires when they arise. With practice, it will be possible to observe in a detached and objective manner these emotions as they rise and fall. By not reacting to these emotions as they arise, they will gradually dissipate and lose their power. It is important to realise this is not a case of suppressing emotion, which could lead to psychological problems. A fully enlightened being (an Arahant) has completely eradicated mental defilements such as anger, lust, ill will etc: such thoughts simply do not arise in him.

Notice Board

Sutta discussion and meditation class (in English) starts on Tuesday, 16 Jan 2024
Sutta discussion (in Sinhala) starts on Friday, 19 Jan 2024
Read more on Classes page>sutta

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Introduction to Buddhism starts on Monday, 16 January 2024
See Classes page>For Beginners

This class has ended. It may be repeated later this year

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Devotees wishing to receive blessings at the Vihara are advised to make an appointment with one of the resident monks

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Current Situation at the London Buddhist Vihara

Dear Supporters,

 We wish you all a Peaceful, Happy and Healthy New Year. 

As there are many new supporters, we feel that it is good to write to you all with some background information about the London Buddhist Vihara (LBV) and an update. 

Some of you would know the history of the LBV but it is good to mention it briefly here. As you know, the LBV moved to the present location in 1994. Ven. Vajiragnana, the Head Monk at the time, had the foresight and the courage to take that step with the generous help of the supporters who have been a great strength to him.
In the UK land registry title deed the Public Trustee of Sri Lanka as the Custodian Trustee of the Anagarika Dharmapala Trust ((ADT) was named as the owner.    

 There was the need to make changes to the building for it to be suitable for a Vihara and it was done. Then in 2002, as more space was needed, a contractor was engaged to build an extension. The construction started with the donations received from the supporters. Unfortunately, for some reason the costs far exceeded the original estimate which LBV was unable to meet, and the contractor issued a High Court writ against the ADT demanding a payment of £95,000 for unpaid bills. The total value of the contract had been exceeded by £95,000.

The Head Monk became helpless, and part of the building was sealed off with no access. The Head Monk was isolated as the person who managed the Vihara activities at that time was also on the side of the contractor and there was no money in the Bank account to spend on the case. It was then that three people including two of the present trustees were asked by the ADT for help with the matter and they were given Power of Attorney’s (POA) as they had to represent the ADT in the UK.

The Vihara Management Committee (VMC) was formed at the time with the three persons mentioned above and they took the necessary action immediately by retaining lawyers and filing the required reply within the few days left. Failure to file a reply would have meant summary justice by the court which could have resulted in losing the LBV building bought with the supporters’ donations. However, thanks to the supporters who continued with their donations, the VMC managed to put up a defence and the case was decided in favour of the LBV after over two years of a difficult litigation process. Afterwards the VMC continued to manage the Vihara and in 2006 completed the extension that the contractor had left only partially completed. Again all the funding was by the donors and we all can be happy that Ven. Vajiragnana was able to see the completion and also move into his new quarters before his passing away in December 2006.

The VMC continued to manage the Vihara and welcomed a new member in 2010, who had been a supporter for a long time and was instrumental in the completion of the extension after the court case.

The continuing progress of the LBV demanded more space for its programs and also for accommodation of monks. Planning Permission was a big issue as the building has a Grade II listing and due to the limited space available. After several attempts with different architects, we eventually succeeded in getting planning permission from the Ealing Borough Council in 2019.

Although a substantial amount had been saved by the LBV, the estimated cost of the project was £1 million after lengthy negotiations and cost cutting. There were suggestions from the ADT, that it  should be done in stages as they felt that there was no likelihood of raising the required funds. The project was managed by one of our trustees who is highly qualified and experienced in that field thereby saving about £70,000 in project and cost management fees. Our supporters came forward once again raising a substantial amount of money. This support with the efficient management helped us to complete the project in one year and within the allocated budget despite the challenges faced during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.   

Getting LBV registered as a Charitable Trust had been a long term need as we were not able to benefit from Gift Aid. Furthermore, the accountant warned us that LBV would have to pay tax on the donations unless it becomes a charity. It was also important that the LBV is properly regulated under the Charity Commission (CC) regulations and is subject to the UK legal system.

This was achieved with the agreement and approval of the of the ADT who were involved right from the beginning of the formation of the Trust in December 2020.

During the formation process, the draft Trust Deed prepared by the ADT was not accepted by the CC and instead suggested that we use a Trust Deed prepared by the CC as it was necessary to ensure the independence of the LBV Trust from the ADT in order to act in the best interest of the LBV. CC stated that ADT as an organisation based in Sri Lanka was outside the jurisdiction of the CC and the Legal System of the UK. Furthermore, the trustees had to give an undertaking to the CC that they would act independently in the best interest of the LBV. With the formation of the Charitable Trust, the management of the LBV and the maintenance of the Building was officially transferred to the LBV Trust.

Therefore, the Trustees are legally bound to oversee the Vihara activities fulfilling the objectives of the late Anagarika Dharmapala and for efficient management including filing accounts, Annual Returns and Annual Reports with the CC according to the CC regulations.

It should be noted that the title deed of the building remains with the Public Trustee of Sri Lanka as the Custodian Trustee of the ADT. LBV has occupied the building for 30 years now.

In 2022 the ADT nominated a person to be appointed as a trustee by the LBV Trust, which was done in good faith although there were certain issues.

In September 2023 the new trustee and another trustee were found to be involved in serious violations of the signed Trust Deed, CC Regulations and the Charities Act 2011. These included making unauthorised changes to the CC register which was a Criminal Act. After clarifying the matters with the CC and as per the guidelines provided by the CC, they were terminated as trustees following the procedures laid down by the Trust deed and the Charities Act 2011. This was  after giving them the opportunity to provide explanations and also to attend a Trust meeting which were not taken up by either of them.

 As the trustees are responsible for the safety of the trust funds and also the Data Protection, the above action had to be taken by the other three Trustees as per the guidelines of the Charity Commission and the Charities Act 2011. If not, the other three trustees would have been guilty of not taking appropriate action in the best interest of the LBV and its supporters.

In December 2023, before commencing the fourth year of forming the LBV Trust, the LBV Trust has appointed a long standing, highly respected LBV coordinator as a trustee and the Trust now has 4 trustees who have been actively involved in the LBV matters for many years. 

As mentioned above, we the trustees, the Head Monk, Ven. Bandula and the resident monks have a high regard for our supporters who have helped the Vihara so much over the years. Should you require any clarification on these matters please do not hesitate to contact us. You can also check the current situation of the LBV Trust on the Charity Commission website under London Buddhist Vihara Trust (Charity registration 1192854).     

Finally we the undersigning Trustees, wish to reiterate to all the supporters that we shall be carrying out our duties and responsibilities with the main interest of safeguarding the London Buddhist Vihara  for which we are legally bound  under the UK Charity Commission regulations and the Charities Act 2011.

With Metta

1 Mr Gamini Amarasekera

2 Dr Lakdas Panagoda

3 Mr Leslie Dep

4 Mr Harsha Siriwardane

Trustees of the London Buddhist Vihara Trust                              

 


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