Four attributes of true cessations

• Cessation of various levels of afflictions
• Innate afflictions and acquired afflictions
• Problems due to clinging to identities
• True cessation of an arhat versus a Buddha
• Cessation, peace, magnificence, definite emergence
• Misconceptions counteracted by the four attributes
• Thinking nirvana is not possible
• Considering states of meditative absorption as nirvana
• Viewing temporary or partial cessation as nirvana
• Thinking it is possible for nirvana to deteriorate
• Importance of having a full understanding of the whole path
• Overview of four attributes of the true path
• Process of developing the wisdom realizing emptiness

Samsara, Nirvana, and Buddha Nature 11: Four Attributes of True Cessations (download)

Contemplation points

1. In your own words, explain what nirvana is and how to attain it.
2. What are innate and acquired afflictions? Make some examples of each. What are some in particular that you struggle with or hold strongly to? How do they limit you? How do these cause obstacles in your life and practice?
3. What are the four attributes of true cessation? What is meditating on these points leading us to understand?
4. To get a small taste of what nirvana could be like, imagine that an affliction such as anger is totally absent from your mind. No matter what someone says or does, no matter what happens, you will never get angry again.
5. How do you counteract discomfort and / or fear when thinking about emptiness?
6. Reflect that nirvana is the complete absence of all afflictions forever. Aspire to attain it.