Final answer:
In Buddhism, those who live by the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path are seen as most likely to achieve Nirvana. The path to Nirvana involves a life of moderation, detachment, and ethical actions. While monks and nuns dedicate themselves more fully to these practices, laypersons can also progress towards Nirvana.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Buddhism, the individuals most likely to achieve Nirvana are those who live by the Four Noble Truths and follow the Eightfold Path. Nirvana represents the ultimate peace reached by extinguishing all desire and transcending the notion of self. Practitioners achieve this enlightened state through a life of moderation and detachment, as exemplified by the Buddha's own quest for enlightenment.
The principle of no-soul (anatta) is central to Buddhist belief, which challenges the notion of a self that reincarnates. Instead, it is the intentional actions (karma) that continue to propagate suffering or enlightenment in the cycle of rebirth. While many recognize that full-time monastic life may offer the most direct route to Nirvana, lay practitioners can also accumulate merit and progress towards enlightenment by supporting the monastic community, engaging in good deeds, and practicing meditation and discipline in daily life.
The middle way is crucial here, advocating for a balanced approach between extreme asceticism and sensual indulgence. Ultimately, anyone committed to the Eightfold Path can move towards Nirvana, but monks and nuns who dedicate their lives to this pursuit are often perceived as likely candidates, due to their intensive focus on spiritual practices.