Today's Holy-day Art Preview: Nirvana Day is Feb. 15

ALPHA OMEGA ARTS
By Tahlib

The next A&O Holy-Day in the 2012 calendar is "Nirvana Day" on Feb. 15, 2012, as observed by adherents of the Buddhist and Jain religions. Nirvana Day is also known as "Parinirvana" and is the celebration of Buddha's death when he reached total Nirvana, at the age of 80. The phrase "Nirvana" refers to achieving a release from earthly existence, a belief system of both Buddhist and Jain religions. Some Buddhists celebrated Parinirvana on February 8th. Over the next seven days, we will examine Nirvana through its religious art.