Nibbana is regarded as the ultimate goal of any Buddhist. It is the state of the mind released from all sufferings of mind phenomenon. But how to attain this state. Some say that meditation is a must implemented, but some just only mention what you need is only mindfulness in your daily life. Some practice koan . There are some people viewing what you truly need is developing your wisdom. What are u practicing now? and your experience and progress? Could you share ?
Nibbana is a pali word of Nirvana.
I have practiced Vipassana (insight meditation) in accordance with Phra Ajahn Mahasri Sayadaw lineage (Burma). Vipassana is based on Maha Satipathan ( four modes of mindfulness). It encourages Jahna (the stages of mind phenomenon). The result of practice affects to my mind changing. It minimizes anger, lust, anxiety (harmful aspects in mind). I do not know whether this is true path as mentioned in canon.
Mindfulness is one of mysterious aspects of practice. Is it just only consciousness? If so, what are we being aware of ? Our body which is continuously moving? or our wandering thoughts? Or our feelings, anger, uncomfortable,etc. or all of them but how to do all of them at present moment? This is a very difficult question for me. Sometimes it is very confusing not peaceful.
The outcome of Jahna results in the rapidity of mindfulness. Once, you often forget what are you doing or thinking but after practice covering all the stages of Jahna, you will discover that you can feel what you are thinking and doing. This means you begins to release from thoughts causing your sufferings.
As you mentioned, we cannot discuss about the phenomenon occurring during practice. It is limited by using words. The main focus is emphasized on the experience of practice. However, in Theravada, can I sum up these key issues of practice that should be taken into account :
1.Mahasatipathan (Mindfulness)
2.Jhannas (The outcome of practice mahasatipathan)
This shows that Jhannas is the most important
area that one should achieve in .
Traditionally, in Theravada countries classified
jhanna in sixteen stages: I have only Thai version and cannot find English version on webs. So this may rely on the master who provide guidedance.

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Obesity ?
93% of the cases of fat people and obesity comes from the genes. It is hereditary.
Scientists are very close to discovering the Fat and Obese gene, and will soon find a permanent cure for this !!
Even "The Buddha" yes was fat. But for him too, it was in his genetic makeup. He inherited this gene from his parents. Although, he was one of the very few people in history that overcome this gene. He went on a 7 year fast from food, in hopes of more quickly getting rid of all his negative defilements(impatience, anger, intolerance, etc.) but he came to the realization that this happens through Mindfulness Meditation, not through starving himself !
He did through his 7 years fast, lost over 385 pounds. That is why many see statues of a Fat Buddha and also see statues of a more healthy Buddha, thinner, wholesome and healthier physically. The last two-thirds of his life he was thin and healthy.

I use to be 268 lbs.thru Southbeach Diet lost I 168 pounds & exercise 1 hr day!

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Our mind IS the source of our happiness and our suffering !!
The Dharma teaches humanity how to work with the mind and emotions effectively. How to subdue disturbing thoughts/emotions and how to enhance all the positive wholesome mental faculties, such as Patience, peace, gentleness, self-control, No Harm toward others, forgiveness, happiness, etc.
Each of us want to be happy and to do our best to avoid pain and suffering. Our mind - our thoughts, attitudes, intensions, views and emotions, are the primary factors contributing to our experiences of pain, suffering, and peace, happiness.
Working with Emotions: The Dharma teaches us so much concerning working successfully with our emotions. It teaches how the cultivation of Patience and loving-kindness opposses and erradicates anger; and wisdom demolishes
ignorance. It teaches insight which dispels pride; mindfulness meditation dispels anxiety and depression;meditating on compassion counter-acts a poor self-esteem.READtheDharma!

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Please go to the question which I attempted to answer for someone, check my previous question I answered in the Psychology Section for someone - on Meditation, and please help with his answer. I know fellow Buddhists such as Gaz, Anger Eating Demon, Vinslave, Peter, and a couple others who have been practicing Insight{Mindfulness) meditation longer than I, can more effectively help provide the person with a much better answer than I did.
People in the Psychology, and Philosophy Sections ask Questions on Meditation and Buddhism frequently also. Thanks, all you Great folks in Yahoo-Land. Sorry, if this appears to be a Blog, or Spam, that was not my intension.

Thanks.

With Metta.

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