[Sttim]

until you attain enlightenment and proceed to live in Nirvana

Hi Kris

Nirvana isn't a place, its freedom of mind from greed, hatred and delusion and this can happen in one lifetime, if we study, meditate and practice Buddha's teachings as he advised.

I think you might find it helpful to look at the Buddhist Studies section at Buddhanet

http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/index.htm

with kind regards

Aloka