Nirvana

lit. “blowing out, extinguishing”

Liberation from suffering and the cycle of rebirth.

Origin

In Buddhism, nirvana is the goal: the extinction of the craving and ignorance that bind one to samsara, the cycle of birth and death. In Hinduism it is similar — release into the absolute. The metaphor is a flame being blown out, not annihilation but the end of fueled burning.

Modern usage

In English, almost always used loosely to mean 'bliss' or 'paradise'. The 1990s rock band amplified the casual usage. Religious specialists tend to wince.

Karma

The principle that your actions return to you — for better or worse.

concept

Eastern Traditions

Dharma

Cosmic law, moral duty, or the right way of living for who you are.