Aspects of Mahayana Buddhism and its Relation to Hinayana c7.s3.t13.1
Aspects of Mahāyāna Buddhism and its Relation to Hīnayāna c7.s3.t13.1
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c7.s3.t13.1
It is, however, striking that both Profs. Stcherbatsky and Poussin have tried to form an idea of Nirvāṇa on the basis of the quiescent state attained by a yogin at the highest altitude of his meditation. Both agree that it is this quiescence which is aimed at by all saints, including the arhats. To Prof. Stcherbatsky, Nirvāṇa was the highest form of quiescence imaginable and hence it is a condition where there is no vestige of consciousness—an absolute annihilation of life,¹ while to Prof. Poussin it is a condition where the mind (*citta*) does not function, but the body is pervaded by an extremely pleasant feeling; the mind, being inactive, does not enjoy the pleasure.