Parinirvana Day Date in the current year: February 15, 2024

The term parinirvana refers to complete nirvana achieved upon the death of the physical body of someone who has attained nirvana during their lifetime. When a person achieves parinirvana, they are released from Saṃsāra, karma and rebirth.

Nirvana is usually described as a state of peace or bliss, but Buddha taught that the state of nirvana was beyond human imagination therefore speculation about what it is like is pointless.

The parinirvana of Buddha Shakyamuni is described in a wide range of Buddhist canonical literature, both in early works and a number of works that were written hundreds of years after his death.

The anniversary of Buddha's parinirvana is known as Parinirvana Day. On this day, excerpts from the Nirvana Sutra that describe the last days of Buddha's life are typically read. Other traditions include visits to Buddhist monasteries and temples and meditation.

Many Buddhists see this day as an opportunity to reflect upon their own future death and the deaths of their beloved ones. These reflections are closely connected with the doctrine of impermanence.