Enlightenment

The only way to escape the cycle of rebirth, known as samsara, is through enlightenment. It is only after a person becomes enlightened that they are able to understand the answers to life and achieve a state of unimaginable perfection called Nibbana (Nirvana in Sanskrit).

After a person achieves enlightenment, they are able to enter Parinibbana instead of being reborn. Parinibbana is a state of endless perfection that is only possible after a person passes away.

Mahayana Buddhists believe that, once a person achieves enlightenment, they can choose either to enter Parinibbana upon their death or be reborn again into the world to help others. Theravada Buddhists, on the other hand, believe that every person who gains enlightenment will enter Parinibbana upon their death.