Izen, My take on "Nirvana" and "Shangri-La" is this ? "?Two side of the same coin" Why? Allow me to explain... Enlightenment leads to nirvana. Enlightment, which implies where a person becomes free of pain, suffering, desires and other earthly matters. What does that lead to? Yep! You said it. Indeed, a state of Nirvana. Now, what is Shangri-la? An imaginary utopia where all is bliss and where there is absolute peace blah blah blah. In essence, a paradise on earth, like highfly interpreted. Then what does both have in common. One implies a state free of pain, desire, and any earthly matters, and another; absolute peace, bliss, like a heaven on earth. How is one possible without another? Get the picture? I bet you can copulate one with another and come to the conclusion that it does not only relate to each other, but also can be used interchangeably. Damn! Too much hash I believe. A short route to both. But not me. I hate em'. Since you seem to have vowed to ask questions with a thread a day policy hehehe ;), and have stated that a rational mind have to ask question. Can I ask you one? How about having a new ID with question mark in front and behind the nick. Reminds me of this character in some old hindi flick where the guy has a question mark on the forehead. J/k mate. And yes Shangri-La is both. I mean it's an imaginary stuff man. Common. Since 1994 I have been seeing Shangri-la in Aishworya Rai. Aru ke bhanau. HAHAHAHa. there was this girl anmed Shangri-la from chabel I believe. She was not Shangri-La Shangri-la, but her name was Shangri-la. Deemag kharab! ;) As long as I am in the state of Nirvana... IndisGuise:)