Nirvana vs Resting

Have you needed a break? Just to take a deep breath and get away from the day to day routine of your life?

Rest, what does that mean? My friend Mr. Webster says rest is:

1 repose, sleep; specifically : a bodily state characterized by minimal functional and metabolic activities
2 a : freedom from activity or labor b : a state of motionlessness or inactivity c : the repose of death
3 : a place for resting or lodging
4 : peace of mind or spirit
5 a (1) : a rhythmic silence in music (2) : a character representing such a silence b : a brief pause in reading
6 : something used for support

7. free of anxieties

The first definition is in it's literal form, to sleep, to have minimal body functions. But when you're asleep, is your mind at rest? Not really because you're dreaming when you hit a certain stage of sleep, so your mind is still working. Your brain still keeps your lungs inflating and deflating, your heart pumping blood, so even though your body is doing the bare minimal, you're still not "resting" per say.

The second definition backs up the first definition.

The third definition states rest is a place to rest. The resting place of the man is under the cherry tree on the other side of the fence. It's a site of burial. It also is a place where you left an object. I rested the shovel by the tree.

The fourth definition is along the lines of what I think of when I say "I'm resting" Peace of mind and spirit. Buddha described Nirvana as "The perfect peace. The state of mind that is free from craving, anger and other afflicting states"

Is rest much different than Nirvana?

First of all, can you really truly "rest"? Have you ever went to bed exhausted but couldn't sleep because you had something on your mind? Did you rest?

Have you went to bed exhausted with nothing on your mind and went to sleep straight away? When you woke up were you full of energy and excited to take on the next day?

As a society, we're so hung up on things to give us energy, we forget our natural roots. For example how many of you need that first cup of coffee in the morning to feel alert? Yes, so did you not rest well the night before? Yes? Why do you need the coffee to wake up if you're rested? It's one or the other.

How do you achieve the perfect "rest" or as I like to call it "Nirvana"?

According to Buddha, this is ONLY achieved when you can separate yourself from your self. This is the highest spiritual attainment. The ultimate happiness. Many people go through their whole lives trying to achieve this and never do. This is achieved through effort, you cannot be born into nirvana.

How to reach this?

1. Jhana: Meditative state of profound stillness and concentration. One in which the mind becomes fully immersed and absorbed in the chosen object of attention.

2.By deeds, vision and righteousness

3. The four foundations of mindfulness A. Body-breathing, posture, clear comprehending, reflections of repulsions of the body, reflections of material elements B. Sensations/Feelings-pleasant or unpleasant or neutral feelings, worldly or spiritual feelings C. Mind/Consciousness- being without lust, being without hate, being without delusions, your mind is not scattered, you are not lofty,unsurpassed D. Mental Contents-The hindrances (sensual desire, anger or ill-will, boredom, worry and doubt) Clinging (cessation of clinging leads to Nirvana) Fetters (shackles a person to continuous movement) Factors of enlightenment (mindfulness, joy, energy, rapture, relaxation, tranquility, concentration and Equanimity) The four noble truths (The nature of suffering, suffering's origin, suffering cessation, the way leading to the cessation of suffering)

So after reading this can you truly rest at night when you sleep? I think you can get some rest, but you are not truly rested. You are not truly rested until you can reach Nirvana.

My thoughts? Stop being so serious. Take a step back and breath every once in a while, we all need to relax. Do something silly just for fun. Even if this means dressing up in pajamas, throwing on an old tune and dancing while singing into your hairbrush. LIVE LIFE TO IT'S FULLEST. Strive to be carefree and most of all, rest. Your life is what you make it, so make it good.