(Buddhism) the term nirvana literally means "blowingout" or "going out" or "extinguishing" of the fire of passion or flames of desire. According to Buddhistdoctrine, nirvana is the state of perfect blessedness achieved by the extinction of individual existence and by the absorption of the soul into the supreme spirit, or by the extinction of all desires and passions. —9th ACC Volume 2 Approved Glossary