What Is Buddhist Nirvana?

What does nirvana mean in Buddhism? We'll look at some descriptions of it before turning to different views on its ontological status. Then we'll consider some later developments in ideas about nirvana.

** Note: the Pāli term "appatiṭṭha" in Ud. 8.1 likely parallels the Sanskrit "apratiṣṭha" rather than "apratiṣṭhita". Does this make any difference? Research leaves me unsure, though doubtful.