Nibbana to be understood as “Stream-enterer” (Sotāpanna), “Once-returner” (Sakadāgāmi), “Non-returner” (Anāgāmi), and Arahant. Achieving enlightenment (Nibbana) can be considered the most important step in one’s life and samsara, because Nibbana abandons future births and deaths and sufferings that come along with life, the birth and death of beings. One’s ability to gain Nibbana is shaped by one’s karma. This is to say that Nibbana is a natural process just like the birth and death of beings; it happens on its own time shaped by karmic influence.

Teachings are about understanding. By understanding that there is no permanent self, one can try to develop a mindset that is not shaken due to the ups and down of life, which should be practiced in daily life. By understanding that karmic events are relevant and not rites and rituals, one can practice the teachings in a way that leads to Nibbana genuine to one’s heart, paying homage to Buddha and his teachings in thoughts as much as possible within a day and in a way that will lead to ending samsara and suffering. By clarifying doubts to understand the teachings, one can see the true message of Buddha leading to Nibbana. Though there can be many doubts in the minds of practitioners, here we can try to address a few common miscomprehensions to provide clarity:

Nibbana is not about a lifestyle.

Nibbana is not about traditions, divisions, or Buddhist schools.

Nibbana is not a philosophy or set of words.

Nibbana is fruition that is established in one’s mind due to the right practice of Dhamma. Therefore, the most important aspect of the teachings is to know how to practice them in a way that will lead to Nibbana. Nibbana is understood as the four stages of enlightenment, and the practices that lead to each of these stages of Nibbana differ. Those who practice the teachings in the right way in a manner that leads to stream-entry will be able to attain Nibbana.

To practice leading to Nibbana, four factors of stream-entry and abandoning the fetters are relevant. Given that Nibbana involves karmic influence, it is important to develop the four factors of stream-entry to gain Nibbana. The four factors include developing confirmed confidence in Buddha, his teachings, and noble sangha. In practice, this can be done by reflecting the qualities of the triple gem.

Similarly, reflecting on the qualities of the triple gem generates joy, and joy leads to better concentration. One thing leads to another, and these factors are linked. Practicing leading to Nibbana should include multiple aspects that reflect the qualities of the triple gem in thoughts as much as possible in daily life. This requires within daily life maintaining the mind in the middle; becoming a good person in all areas of life; and not discriminating against self or others based on social divisions. It also requires engaging in meritorious activities, maintaining precepts in daily life and engaging in dhamma activities to facilitate the process of leading to stream-entry and beyond.