Nirvana, Pàëi nibbàna, Sanskrit nirvàõa) is the highest spiritual state and the ultimate goal of Buddhism. The word comes from nir meaning `stop' and và meaning `to blow'. Thus nirvana is the extinguishing or blowing out of the fires of greed, hatred and ignorance. Alternatively, it may come from nir plus vana meaning `desire' and thus means the `stopping of desire'. When, as a result of practising the Noble Eightfold Path, ignorance and craving give way to knowledge and fulfilment, one attains nirvana and at death is no longer subject to rebirth and all the suffering that it entails. nirvana is the most well-known name the Buddha used for this exalted state. He also called it The Culmination, The Further Shore, Truth, The Immaculate, The Joyful, Utter Peace, The Wonderful, The Pure, The Safe Refuge, etc. (S.IV,369-72). See Mysticism.