Buy a Custom Nirvana Chinese/Japanese Calligraphy Wall Scroll

We have many options to create artwork with the Chinese characters / Asian symbols / Japanese Kanji for Nirvana on a wall scroll or portrait.
If you don't find what you are looking for below, there are a dizzying number of Nirvana-related words and phrases which you can find here: Japanese/Chinese/Buddhist Dictionary entries for Nirvana.
Some people associate Nirvana with Heaven, so you might want to check out this page: Heaven.


  1. Nirvana

  2. Phoenix Rise from the Ashes

  3. Bodhi - Awakening Enlightenment

  4. Gate

  5. Kensho Jobutsu - Enlightenment - Path to Buddha

  6. Luohan / Lohan

  7. Namo Amitabha Buddha

  8. Namu Amida Butsu

  9. The Noble Eightfold Path

10. Ksaya / Omega / Finality

11. No Pain No Gain

12. Pure Land / Jodo

13. Reincarnation

14. Self-Love / Love Yourself / Love Oneself

15. Shiken Haramitsu Daikomyo

16. Silent / Solitary

17. Stillness / Quiet / Calm

18. Endless / Without Limit

19. The True and Complete Enlightenment

20. Feng Huang Nie Pan


 niè pán
 ne han
Nirvana Scroll

涅槃/涅盤 are the Chinese characters that mean Nirvāṇa. I will let you decide what Nirvana means to you.

This can also be translated as “Buddha's death and salvation” or “death of a Buddhist monk,” depending on the context. However, this is not seen with any bad meaning. You could replace “death” with “moving on,” as that is how it's seen in a Buddhist context.


More info from our dictionary: Nirvana

Phoenix Rise from the Ashes

 fèng huáng niè pán
Phoenix Rise from the Ashes Scroll

鳳凰涅磐 is a proverb that suggests “Legendary Phoenix rises from the ashes.” It means “Legendary Phoenix [reaches] Nirvana.”

There is a legend in China of a great bird reborn once every 500 years. This bird gathers all the ill will, suffering, desire, and other negative things of the world. The bird then plunges into the fire to burn away all negative things, sacrificing itself in the process (achieving Nirvana, or perhaps allowing others the opportunity to reach Nirvana).

500 years later, the phoenix is reborn from the ashes again, and the cycle repeats.

Bodhi - Awakening Enlightenment

 pú tí
 bodai
Bodhi - Awakening Enlightenment Scroll

The Bodhi or 菩提 is the moment of completion in Buddhism.

It is when all things become known and you have completed your journey to enlightenment.

The reference is to the Bodhi tree where Siddhartha Gautama (the legendary man who established the Buddhist religion) achieved enlightenment. Sometimes this is referred to as “the tree of enlightenment,” but if you want the full version with the character for a tree at the end, please see the Bodhi Tree entry.


See Also:  Buddhism | Buddha | Enlightenment

 mén
 mon
 
Gate Scroll

門 is the Chinese, Japanese Kanji, and old Korean Hanja for gate, door, gateway, doorway, opening, entrance, valve, or switch.

Most commonly, this is simply a gate or door.

門 is also a Chinese surname that romanizes as Men.

In Japanese, this can be surnames romanizing as Yuki, Mon, To, or Kado.

In the Buddhist context, beyond meaning a door or gate, this can be a counter for a Buddhist sect, teaching, or school (we might say “slice” of bread, this would be a “gate” of teaching). In this way, it kind of refers to one of several doors that lead to salvation or nirvana.

Kensho Jobutsu - Enlightenment - Path to Buddha

 ken shou jou butsu
Kensho Jobutsu - Enlightenment - Path to Buddha Scroll

見性成仏 or Kenshō Jōbutsu is the initial enlightenment that leads to self-awareness, becoming Buddha, and the path to enter Nirvana.

Kenshō Jōbutsu is a complex concept in Japanese Buddhism. 見性成仏 is probably better translated as “Seeing one’s nature and becoming a Buddha.”


See Also:  Buddhism | Enlightenment | Initial Enlightenment

Luohan / Lohan

 luó hàn
 rakan
Luohan / Lohan Scroll

羅漢 is the title Lohan, achiever of Nirvana.

This can also be a place name and surname Rakan in Japanese.

In the Buddhist context, this can be arhan, arhat, saint, or perfect man of Hīnayāna. It can refer to the 16, 18, or 500 disciples appointed to witness Buddha's truth and save the world.

Namo Amitabha Buddha

 nā mó ē mí tuó fó
 na mu a mi da butsu
Namo Amitabha Buddha Scroll

南無阿彌陀佛 is how to express “The Compassionate Amitabha Buddha” (especially for the Pure Land Buddhist Sect).

Some will translate as “Homage to Amitâbha Buddha” or “I seek refuge in the Amitâbha Buddha.”

This is valid in Chinese characters, Japanese Kanji, and old Korean Hanja.

Sometimes modern Japanese use a different version of the 4th and last Kanji, but the version shown here is the most universal.

This is used to pay homage to Amitabha Buddha.


See Also:  Bodhisattva | Buddhism

Namu Amida Butsu

 namu amida butsu
Namu Amida Butsu Scroll

南無阿弥陀仏 is the modern Japanese version of “Namu Amida Butsu” or “The Compassionate Amitabha Buddha.”

Some will translate this as “I sincerely believe in Amitabha; Lord have mercy on me.”

This phrase especially applies to Japanese Pure Land Buddhists.

There is a universal version using ancient characters (with more strokes) for the 4th and last characters. That version is also used in Chinese, Korean, and occasionally Vietnamese. This is used to pay homage to Amitabha Buddha.


See Also:  Bodhisattva | Buddhism

The Noble Eightfold Path

Ashtangika Marga / Astangika-Marga / Atthangika Magga

 bā zhèng dào
 hasshoudou
The Noble Eightfold Path Scroll

八正道 is a complex set of steps that Buddhists much take to cleanse karma, achieve enlightenment, eventually cease the cycle of rebirth and live in a state of Nirvana.


Note: This term is exclusively used by devout Buddhists. It is not a common term and remains an unknown concept to most Japanese and Chinese people. Sometimes written as 八聖道.


See Also:  Buddhism | Enlightenment

Ksaya / Omega / Finality

 qǐ sǎ
 kisha
Ksaya / Omega / Finality Scroll

乞灑 is the Chinese and Japanese version of the Buddhist term “kṣaya.”

乞灑 is used in the sense of omega, or the end. This implies finality or nirvāṇa.

This term is only used in the context of Buddhism. Non-Buddhists may not recognize this word.

No Pain No Gain

 itami naku shite erumono wa nashi
No Pain No Gain Scroll

痛みなくして得るものなし is a Japanese phrase that means “no pain, no gain.”

This suggests that with pain, a gain must follow.

The pain Kanji here can also be translated as sorrow or suffering. The gain can also mean profit, advantage, or benefit. In the Japanese Buddhist context, that gain Kanji can mean rebirth in paradise, entering nirvana.

The character breakdown:
痛みなく (itami naku) pain; ache; sore; grief; distress. The naku part adds the meaning of “a lot of” or “extended”
して (shite) and then. (indicates a causative expression; acts as a connective particle)
得る (eru) to get; to acquire; to obtain; to procure; to earn; to win; to gain; to secure; to attain.
もの (mono) conjunctive particle indicating a cause or reason.
なし (nashi) none of; -less; without; no.


Note: Because this selection contains some special Japanese Hiragana characters, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.

Pure Land / Jodo

Also a sect of Buddhism

 jìng tǔ
 jou do
Pure Land / Jodo Scroll

淨土 literally means “pure land” or “clean earth.”

淨土 is also the abbreviated title of a Buddhist sect that involves faith in the rebirth of Buddha Amitabha (Amitābha) in the Western Heaven. Sometimes this sect is translated as “Paradise of the West.” Other titles of this school of Buddhism include Amidism or Elysium.


See Also:  Shin Buddhism

Reincarnation (Buddhism)

 zhuǎn shì
 ten sei
Reincarnation (Buddhism) Scroll

轉世 is the Buddhist idea of reincarnation or transmigration.

Other definitions of this term: “Attainer of Nirvana from within the desire realm,” “A practitioner who enters directly into Nirvana from the desire realm, without traversing the form and formless realms. One of the 27 kinds of Hinayana sages,” or simply, “to return again to this life.”

轉世 is also a Japanese title, but the first Kanji was slightly simplified after WWII. Just let us know if you want the modern Japanese version when you order.


See Also:  Buddhism | Rebirth

Self-Love / Love Yourself / Love Oneself

 zì ài
 ji ai
Self-Love / Love Yourself / Love Oneself Scroll

自愛 means self-love, self-regard, regard for oneself, cherishing one's good name, taking care of oneself, or love myself.

In the Buddhist context, this is the cause of all pursuit or seeking, which in turn causes all suffering. All Buddhas discharge themselves from self-love and all pursuits of personal gratification. Such elimination of self-love is a step towards nirvāṇa.

This title can be taken as positive or negative, depending on how you read it. Some will see it as arrogant, and others will read it as a token of self-respect. Because of this ambiguity, I do not recommend this title for a wall scroll.

Shiken Haramitsu Daikomyo

 shi ken ha ra mitsu dai kou myou
Shiken Haramitsu Daikomyo Scroll

四拳波羅蜜大光明 is “shiken haramitsu daikōmyō,” a famous Japanese Buddhist mantra.

四拳 = shi-ken = four fists (many translate this as “four hearts”).
波羅蜜 = ha-ra-mitsu = A loanword representing pāramitā, or entrance into Nirvana. Awkwardly, it also means jackfruit.
大光明 = dai-kou-myo = big/great light bright (great bright light).

Shiken represents four hearts:
1. The Merciful Heart - Love and caring for all living things.
2. The Sincere Heart - Pursues righteousness, or the right path - sincerely trying to do what is right.
3. The Attuned Heart - Knows that nature and fate have their ways, and thus stay in tune with the universe.
4. The Dedicated Heart - Steadfast on the chosen path to the end.

Silent / Solitary

 jì
 jaku
 
Silent / Solitary Scroll

寂 means silent, solitary, quiet, calm, still, rest, or tranquil.

This also has a strong association with Buddhism where it can mean “entering into Nirvana.” In that context, this is sometimes used to refer to the passing of a Buddhist monk (he is silent, as he has entered Nirvana). For the living, this is about tranquility (especially of mind).

Some will also use this to mean “elegant simplicity.”

From Sanskrit, this can represent praśama, vivikta, śānti, or nibbāna (nirvāṇa).

Stillness / Quiet / Calm

 jì jìng
 sekisei / jakujou
Stillness / Quiet / Calm Scroll

寂靜 is the Chinese and old Japanese word for calmness, stillness, and tranquility.

In the Buddhist context, this can refer to the calmness of the heart, enlightenment, or the state of being calm and quiet - free from temptation and distress. This can be thought of as being in a state of earthly nirvāṇa.


Note: The second character is written just slightly differently in modern Japanese (静 instead of 靜). Expect a slight variation if you order this from the Japanese master calligrapher. The version shown here is considered the ancient Japanese and original Chinese form.

Endless / Without Limit

 wú jìn
 mu jin
Endless / Without Limit Scroll

無盡 is the Chinese, Japanese Kanji, and old Korean Hanja for endless; inexhaustible; without limits; infinite.

In the Buddhist context, this can refer to the infinitude of living beings, of worlds, of space, of the dharmadhātu, of nirvāṇa, etc.

The True and Complete Enlightenment

 zhēn jué
 shinkaku
The True and Complete Enlightenment Scroll

眞覺 means true and complete enlightenment.

This can refer to the perfect nirvana of the Buddha or the perception of ultimate truth or true awareness of all things (reality and unreality).

Feng Huang Nie Pan

 fèng huáng niè pán
Feng Huang Nie Pan Scroll

鳳凰涅槃 means Phoenix Nirvana in Chinese and is the title of a famous book.


The following table may be helpful for those studying Chinese or Japanese...

Title CharactersRomaji (Romanized Japanese)Various forms of Romanized Chinese
Nirvana涅槃 / 涅盤
涅盘
ne han / nehanniè pán / nie4 pan2 / nie pan / niepannieh p`an / niehpan / nieh pan
Phoenix Rise from the Ashes鳳凰涅磐
凤凰涅磐
fèng huáng niè pán
feng4 huang2 nie4 pan2
feng huang nie pan
fenghuangniepan
feng huang nieh p`an
fenghuangniehpan
feng huang nieh pan
Bodhi - Awakening Enlightenment菩提bodaipú tí / pu2 ti2 / pu ti / putip`u t`i / puti / pu ti
Gate
monmén / men2 / men
Kensho Jobutsu - Enlightenment - Path to Buddha見性成佛
見性成仏
ken shou jou butsu
kenshoujoubutsu
ken sho jo butsu
Luohan
Lohan
羅漢
罗汉
rakanluó hàn
luo2 han4 
luo han 
luohan 
lo
Namo Amitabha Buddha南無阿彌陀佛
南无阿弥陀佛
na mu a mi da butsu
namuamidabutsu
nā mó ē mí tuó fó
na1 mo2 e1 mi2 tuo2 fo2
na mo e mi tuo fo
namoemituofo
na mo o mi t`o fo
namoomitofo
na mo o mi to fo
Namu Amida Butsu南無阿弥陀仏namu amida butsu
namuamidabutsu
The Noble Eightfold Path八正道hasshoudou / hashodobā zhèng dào
ba1 zheng4 dao4
ba zheng dao
bazhengdao
pa cheng tao
pachengtao
Ksaya
Omega
Finality
乞灑
乞洒
kishaqǐ sǎ / qi3 sa3 / qi sa / qisach`i sa / chisa / chi sa
No Pain No Gain痛みなくして得るものなしitami naku shite erumono wa nashi
Pure Land
Jodo
淨土
净土
jou do / joudo / jo dojìng tǔ / jing4 tu3 / jing tu / jingtuching t`u / chingtu / ching tu
Reincarnation (Buddhism)轉世
转世
ten sei / tenseizhuǎn shì
zhuan3 shi4
zhuan shi
zhuanshi
chuan shih
chuanshih
Self-Love
Love Yourself
Love Oneself
自愛
自爱
ji ai / jiaizì ài / zi4 ai4 / zi ai / ziaitzu ai / tzuai
Shiken Haramitsu Daikomyo四拳波羅蜜大光明shi ken ha ra mitsu dai kou myou
shi ken ha ra mitsu dai ko myo
Silent
Solitary
jakujì / ji4 / jichi
Stillness
Quiet
Calm
寂靜
寂静
sekisei / jakujou
sekisei / jakujo
jì jìng / ji4 jing4 / ji jing / jijingchi ching / chiching
Endless
Without Limit
無盡
无尽
mu jin / mujinwú jìn / wu2 jin4 / wu jin / wujinwu chin / wuchin
The True and Complete Enlightenment眞覺
眞觉
shinkakuzhēn jué / zhen1 jue2 / zhen jue / zhenjuechen chüeh / chenchüeh
Feng Huang Nie Pan鳳凰涅槃
凤凰涅槃
fèng huáng niè pán
feng4 huang2 nie4 pan2
feng huang nie pan
fenghuangniepan
feng huang nieh p`an
fenghuangniehpan
feng huang nieh pan
In some entries above you will see that characters have different versions above and below a line.
In these cases, the characters above the line are Traditional Chinese, while the ones below are Simplified Chinese.


All of our calligraphy wall scrolls are handmade.

When the calligrapher finishes creating your artwork, it is taken to my art mounting workshop in Beijing where a wall scroll is made by hand from a combination of silk, rice paper, and wood.
After we create your wall scroll, it takes at least two weeks for air mail delivery from Beijing to you.

Allow a few weeks for delivery. Rush service speeds it up by a week or two for $10!

When you select your calligraphy, you'll be taken to another page where you can choose various custom options.


A nice Chinese calligraphy wall scroll

The wall scroll that Sandy is holding in this picture is a "large size"
single-character wall scroll.
We also offer custom wall scrolls in small, medium, and an even-larger jumbo size.

A professional Chinese Calligrapher

Professional calligraphers are getting to be hard to find these days.
Instead of drawing characters by hand, the new generation in China merely type roman letters into their computer keyboards and pick the character that they want from a list that pops up.

There is some fear that true Chinese calligraphy may become a lost art in the coming years. Many art institutes in China are now promoting calligraphy programs in hopes of keeping this unique form of art alive.

Trying to learn Chinese calligrapher - a futile effort

Even with the teachings of a top-ranked calligrapher in China, my calligraphy will never be good enough to sell. I will leave that to the experts.

A high-ranked Chinese master calligrapher that I met in Zhongwei

The same calligrapher who gave me those lessons also attracted a crowd of thousands and a TV crew as he created characters over 6-feet high. He happens to be ranked as one of the top 100 calligraphers in all of China. He is also one of very few that would actually attempt such a feat.