Final answer:
In Buddhism, attaining nirvana involves engaging in positive karmic actions, following the Noble Eightfold Path, and acts of kindness and compassion. Supporting the monastic community also builds positive karma, as does living with discipline, restraint, humility, and kindness.
Step-by-step explanation:
To attain nirvana, a person must engage in karmic actions that foster positive karma. This would involve adhering to the Noble Eightfold Path—a core component of Buddhist teachings—which prescribes practicing right understanding, right thought, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration. Since karma is the spiritual principle of cause and effect, one could earn positive karmic merit through actions such as kindness, compassion, and selfless deeds. These actions contribute to building up positive karma, which influences one's rebirth and ultimately aids in attaining nirvana.
In addition, within the Buddhist tradition, laypeople can contribute to their favorable karmic balance by supporting monks and nuns, effectively planting 'seeds' of good karma in what is referred to as the 'field of merit.' Engaging in acts of generosity, such as providing sustenance and shelter to the monastic community, can thus be considered another karmic action that leads towards enlightenment. Ultimately, living a life that embodies discipline, restraint, humility, and kindness in dealings with others plays a crucial role in the journey towards nirvana.