Nekkhamma

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Nekkhamma (Renunciation) refers to one of the most fundamental concepts in Buddhism. In the analysis of the historical Shakyamuni Buddha called the Four Noble Truths, desire is seen as the core emotion which causes living beings suffering or dukkha(Pali).

Renunciation in the Buddhist context refers to a process of reducing the bonds that our emotion of desire creates. This does not mean that all enjoyment should be given up, but it means that attachment (mental bonding) to the object of desire should be given up. Ultimately, Nirvana or Buddhahood cannot be achieved without a deep realization of renunciation.

"Contemplating the dukkha inherent in desire is one way to incline the mind to renunciation. Another way is to contemplate directly the benefits flowing from renunciation. To move from desire to renunciation is not, as might be imagined, to move from happiness to grief, from abundance to destitution. It is to pass from gross, entangling pleasures to an exalted happiness and peace, from a condition of servitude to one of self-mastery. Desire ultimately breeds fear and sorrow, but renunciation gives fearlessness and joy. It promotes the accomplishment of all three stages of the threefold training: it purifies conduct, aids concentration, and nourishes the seed of wisdom. The entire course of practice from start to finish can in fact be seen as an evolving process of renunciation culminating in Nibbana as the ultimate stage of relinquishment, "the relinquishing of all foundations of existence" (sabb'upadhipatinissagga)." Source: From: The Noble Eightfold Path: The Way to the End of Suffering by Bhikkhu Bodhi