This course explores the history and contested formulations of the Buddhist ideal of felicity, nirvana. We will explore the metaphors and concepts developed to think about nirvana, attending to Buddhist systematic, lyrical and narrative thought. Attention will be paid to the reception of the term in nineteenth century Europe, and the specter of nihilism which once shadowed the study of Buddhism, while sensitizing ourselves to much earlier criticisms of the idea of nirvana available in South Asia, both Buddhist and non-Buddhist. There are no prerequisites. This class should interest: students of Buddhism, Hinduism, South Asia, Theology, Literature and Religion, Philosophy, Anthropology, and students of the History of Religion with an interest in methodological issues involved in the study of religion