Which of the following describes best the concept of Nirvana in Buddhism?

In Buddhism, Nirvana (or Nibbana) literally translates to 'blowing out' or 'extinguishing,' much like a candle flame [2]. It represents the ultimate spiritual goal: the cessation of suffering (dukkha) and the cycle of rebirth [2]. This state is specifically described as the 'extinguishing of the ego and desire' [1]. It involves the 'annihilation of the fuel of craving' rather than the annihilation of the self. Specifically, it refers to the extinction of the 'threefold fire' of greed (raga), hatred (dosa), and delusion (moha). While Nirvana is often associated with peace and bliss, the most precise conceptual definition in early Buddhist doctrine is the cessation of the fires of desire and ignorance that bind an individual to samsara [2]. Therefore, the 'extinction of the flame of desire' best captures the literal and philosophical essence of the term.

Sources

1. [2] https://www.britannica.com/topic/nirvana-religion
2. [1] THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART I, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 4: Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings > Buddhism in practice > p. 92