Difference between revisions of "Four stages of enlightenment"
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The [[four stages of enlightenment]] in [[Buddhism]] are the four progressive stages culminating in full [[enlightenment]] as an [[Arahat]]. | The [[four stages of enlightenment]] in [[Buddhism]] are the four progressive stages culminating in full [[enlightenment]] as an [[Arahat]]. | ||
| − | The four stages are [[Sotapanna]], [[Sakadagami]], [[Anagami]] and [[Arahat]]. The [[Buddha]] referred to [[people]] who are at one of these four stages as [[noble]] [[people]] (''[[ariya-puggala]]'') and the community of such persons within the ''[[bhikkhu]]-[[sangha]]'' as the [[noble sangha]] (''[[ariya-sangha]]''). | + | The four stages are [[Sotapanna]], [[Sakadagami]], [[Anagami]] and [[Arahat]]. The [[Buddha]] referred to [[people]] who are at one of these four stages as [[noble]] [[people]] (''[[ariya-puggala]]'') and the {{Wiki|community}} of such persons within the ''[[bhikkhu]]-[[sangha]]'' as the [[noble sangha]] (''[[ariya-sangha]]''). |
The [[teaching]] of the four stages of [[enlightenment]] is a central [[element]] of the [[early Buddhist schools]], including the [[Theravada]] school of [[Buddhism]], which still survives. | The [[teaching]] of the four stages of [[enlightenment]] is a central [[element]] of the [[early Buddhist schools]], including the [[Theravada]] school of [[Buddhism]], which still survives. | ||
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In the [[Sutta Pitaka]] several types of [[Buddhist]] practitioners are described, according to their level of [[attainment]]. The standard is four, but there are also longer descriptions with more types. The four are the [[Stream-enterer]], [[Once-returner]], [[Non-returner]] and the [[Arahat]]. | In the [[Sutta Pitaka]] several types of [[Buddhist]] practitioners are described, according to their level of [[attainment]]. The standard is four, but there are also longer descriptions with more types. The four are the [[Stream-enterer]], [[Once-returner]], [[Non-returner]] and the [[Arahat]]. | ||
| − | In the [[Visuddhimagga]] the four stages are the culmination of the seven purifications. The descriptions are elaborated and harmonized, giving the same sequence of purifications before attaining each of the [[four paths]] and [[fruits]]. | + | In the [[Visuddhimagga]] the four stages are the culmination of the [[seven purifications]]. The descriptions are elaborated and harmonized, giving the same sequence of purifications before [[attaining]] each of the [[four paths]] and [[fruits]]. |
| − | The [[Visuddhimagga]] stresses the importance of [[prajna]], [[insight]] into [[anatta]] and the [[Buddhist teachings]], as the main means to [[liberation]]. [[Vipassana]] has a central role in this [[path]]. [[Insight]] is emphasized by the contemporary [[Vipassana]] movement. | + | The [[Visuddhimagga]] stresses the importance of [[prajna]], [[insight]] into [[anatta]] and the [[Buddhist teachings]], as the main means to [[liberation]]. [[Vipassana]] has a central role in this [[path]]. [[Insight]] is emphasized by the contemporary [[Vipassana]] {{Wiki|movement}}. |
[[Path]] and Fruit | [[Path]] and Fruit | ||
| − | The [[Sutta Pitaka]] classifies the four levels according to the levels' attainments. The [[Sthaviravada]]/[[Theravada]] [[tradition]], which believes that "progress in understanding comes all at once, '[[insight]]' (''[[abhisamaya]]'') does not come 'gradually' ([[successively]] - ''[[anapurva]]'')," has elaborated on this classification, describing each of the four levels as a [[path]] to be attained suddenly, followed by the realisation of the fruit of the [[path]]. | + | The [[Sutta Pitaka]] classifies the four levels according to the levels' [[attainments]]. The [[Sthaviravada]]/[[Theravada]] [[tradition]], which believes that "progress in [[understanding]] comes all at once, '[[insight]]' (''[[abhisamaya]]'') does not come 'gradually' ([[successively]] - ''[[anapurva]]'')," has elaborated on this {{Wiki|classification}}, describing each of the four levels as a [[path]] to be [[attained]] suddenly, followed by the realisation of the fruit of the [[path]]. |
[[File:221.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:221.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
| − | The process of becoming an [[Arahat]] is therefore characterized by four distinct and sudden changes, instead of a gradual development. The same stance is taken in the contemporary [[Vipassana]] movement, especially the so-called "[[New Burmese Method]]". | + | The process of becoming an [[Arahat]] is therefore characterized by four {{Wiki|distinct}} and sudden changes, instead of a [[gradual]] [[development]]. The same stance is taken in the contemporary [[Vipassana]] {{Wiki|movement}}, especially the so-called "[[New Burmese Method]]". |
The [[ordinary person]] | The [[ordinary person]] | ||
| − | An [[ordinary person]] or [[pruthajjana]] ([[Pali]]; [[Sanskrit]]: [[pṛthagjanai]].e. ''[[pritha]]'' : without, and ''[[jnana]]'' : [[knowledge]]) is trapped in the endless cycling of [[samsara]]. One is [[reborn]], [[lives]], and [[dies]] in endless [[rebirths]], either as a [[deva]], [[human]], [[animal]], male, female, neuter, [[ghost]], [[deity]], [[divinity]], or hellion, or various other entities on different categories of [[existence]]. | + | An [[ordinary person]] or [[pruthajjana]] ([[Pali]]; [[Sanskrit]]: [[pṛthagjanai]].e. ''[[pritha]]'' : without, and ''[[jnana]]'' : [[knowledge]]) is trapped in the [[endless]] cycling of [[samsara]]. One is [[reborn]], [[lives]], and [[dies]] in [[endless]] [[rebirths]], either as a [[deva]], [[human]], [[animal]], {{Wiki|male}}, {{Wiki|female}}, neuter, [[ghost]], [[deity]], [[divinity]], or hellion, or various other entities on different categories of [[existence]]. |
| − | An ordinary entity has never seen and [[experienced]] the [[ultimate truth]] of [[Dharma]] and therefore has no way of finding an end to the predicament. It is only when [[suffering]] becomes acute, or seemingly unending, that an entity looks for a "solution" to and, if fortunate, finds the [[Dharma]]. | + | An ordinary [[entity]] has never seen and [[experienced]] the [[ultimate truth]] of [[Dharma]] and therefore has no way of finding an end to the predicament. It is only when [[suffering]] becomes acute, or seemingly unending, that an [[entity]] looks for a "{{Wiki|solution}}" to and, if [[fortunate]], finds the [[Dharma]]. |
The four stages of [[attainment]] | The four stages of [[attainment]] | ||
| − | [[The Sangha]] of the [[Tathagata]]'s [[disciples]] (''[[Ariya Sangha]]'') can be described as including four or eight kinds of {{Wiki|individuals}}. There are four [groups of [[noble disciples]]] when [[path]] and [[fruit]] are taken as pairs, and eight groups of {{Wiki|individuals}}, when each [[path]] and fruit are taken separately: | + | [[The Sangha]] of the [[Tathagata]]'[[s]] [[disciples]] (''[[Ariya Sangha]]'') can be described as including four or eight kinds of {{Wiki|individuals}}. There are four [groups of [[noble disciples]]] when [[path]] and [[fruit]] are taken as [[pairs]], and eight groups of {{Wiki|individuals}}, when each [[path]] and fruit are taken separately: |
(1) the [[path]] to [[stream-entry]]; | (1) the [[path]] to [[stream-entry]]; | ||
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| − | The first stage is that of [[Sotāpanna]] ([[Pali]]; [[Sanskrit]]: [[Srotāpanna]]), literally meaning "[[one who enters]] ([[āpadyate]]) the [[stream]] ([[sotas]])," with the stream [[being]] the [[supermundane]] [[Noble Eightfold Path]] regarded as the highest [[Dharma]]. The [[stream-enterer]] is also said to have "opened the [[eye]] of the [[Dharma]]" ([[dhammacakkhu]], [[Sanskrit]]: [[dharmacakṣus]]). | + | The [[first stage]] is that of [[Sotāpanna]] ([[Pali]]; [[Sanskrit]]: [[Srotāpanna]]), literally meaning "[[one who enters]] ([[āpadyate]]) the [[stream]] ([[sotas]])," with the {{Wiki|stream}} [[being]] the [[supermundane]] [[Noble Eightfold Path]] regarded as the [[highest]] [[Dharma]]. The [[stream-enterer]] is also said to have "opened the [[eye]] of the [[Dharma]]" ([[dhammacakkhu]], [[Sanskrit]]: [[dharmacakṣus]]). |
A [[stream-enterer]] reaches [[arahantship]] within seven [[rebirths]] upon opening the [[eye]] of the [[Dharma]]. | A [[stream-enterer]] reaches [[arahantship]] within seven [[rebirths]] upon opening the [[eye]] of the [[Dharma]]. | ||
| − | Due to the fact that the [[stream-enterer]] has attained an intuitive [[grasp]] of [[Buddhist doctrine]] (''[[samyagdṛṣṭi]]'' or ''[[sammādiṭṭhi]]'', "[[right view]]") and has complete [[confidence]] or [[Saddha]] in the [[Three Jewels]]: [[Buddha]], [[Dharma]], and [[Sangha]], that {{Wiki|individual}} will not be [[reborn]] in any plane lower than the [[human]] ([[animal]], ''[[preta]]'', or in [[hell]]). | + | Due to the fact that the [[stream-enterer]] has [[attained]] an intuitive [[grasp]] of [[Buddhist doctrine]] (''[[samyagdṛṣṭi]]'' or ''[[sammādiṭṭhi]]'', "[[right view]]") and has complete [[confidence]] or [[Saddha]] in the [[Three Jewels]]: [[Buddha]], [[Dharma]], and [[Sangha]], that {{Wiki|individual}} will not be [[reborn]] in any plane lower than the [[human]] ([[animal]], ''[[preta]]'', or in [[hell]]). |
[[Once-returner]] | [[Once-returner]] | ||
| − | The second stage is that of the [[Sakadāgāmī]] ([[Sanskrit]]: [[Sakṛdāgāmin]]), literally meaning "one who once (''[[sakṛt]]'') comes (''[[āgacchati]]'')". The [[once-returner]] will at most return to the [[human world]] one more [[time]]. Both the [[stream-enterer]] and the [[once-returner]] have abandoned the first [[three fetters]]. The [[stream-enterer]] and [[once-returner]] are distinguished by the fact that the [[once-returner]] has weakened [[lust]], [[hate]], and [[delusion]] to a greater degree. The [[once-returner]] therefore has fewer than seven [[rebirths]]. They may take place in higher planes but will include [[rebirth]] in the [[human]] [[world]] at most only once more. [[Once-returners]] do not have only one more [[rebirth]], as the name suggests, for that may not even be said with certainty about the [[non-returner]] who can take multiple [[rebirths]] in the five "[[Pure Abodes]]". | + | The [[second stage]] is that of the [[Sakadāgāmī]] ([[Sanskrit]]: [[Sakṛdāgāmin]]), literally meaning "one who once (''[[sakṛt]]'') comes (''[[āgacchati]]'')". The [[once-returner]] will at most return to the [[human world]] one more [[time]]. Both the [[stream-enterer]] and the [[once-returner]] have abandoned the first [[three fetters]]. The [[stream-enterer]] and [[once-returner]] are {{Wiki|distinguished}} by the fact that the [[once-returner]] has weakened [[lust]], [[hate]], and [[delusion]] to a greater [[degree]]. The [[once-returner]] therefore has fewer than seven [[rebirths]]. They may take place in higher planes but will include [[rebirth]] in the [[human]] [[world]] at most only once more. [[Once-returners]] do not have only one more [[rebirth]], as the [[name]] suggests, for that may not even be said with {{Wiki|certainty}} about the [[non-returner]] who can take multiple [[rebirths]] in the five "[[Pure Abodes]]". |
[[Non-returner]] | [[Non-returner]] | ||
| − | The third stage is that of the [[Anāgāmī]] ([[Sanskrit]]: [[Anāgāmin]]), literally meaning "one who does not (an-) come ([[āgacchati]])". The [[non-returner]], having overcome sensuality, does not return to [[human]] [[world]], or any unfortunate [[world]] lower than that after [[death]]. Instead, [[non-returners]] are [[reborn]] in one of the five special [[worlds]] in [[Rūpadhātu]] called the [[Śuddhāvāsa]] [[worlds]], or "[[Pure Abodes]]", and there attain [[Nirvāṇa]]; [[Pāli]]: ''[[Nibbana]]''; some of them are [[reborn]] a second [[time]] in a higher [[world]] of the [[Pure Abodes]]. | + | The [[third stage]] is that of the [[Anāgāmī]] ([[Sanskrit]]: [[Anāgāmin]]), literally meaning "one who does not (an-) come ([[āgacchati]])". The [[non-returner]], having overcome [[sensuality]], does not return to [[human]] [[world]], or any unfortunate [[world]] lower than that after [[death]]. Instead, [[non-returners]] are [[reborn]] in one of the five special [[worlds]] in [[Rūpadhātu]] called the [[Śuddhāvāsa]] [[worlds]], or "[[Pure Abodes]]", and there attain [[Nirvāṇa]]; [[Pāli]]: ''[[Nibbana]]''; some of them are [[reborn]] a second [[time]] in a higher [[world]] of the [[Pure Abodes]]. |
An [[Anāgāmī]] has abandoned the five lower [[fetters]], out of ten total [[fetters]], that bind [[beings]] to the cycle of [[rebirth]]. An [[Anāgāmī]] is well advanced. | An [[Anāgāmī]] has abandoned the five lower [[fetters]], out of ten total [[fetters]], that bind [[beings]] to the cycle of [[rebirth]]. An [[Anāgāmī]] is well advanced. | ||
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| − | The fourth stage is that of [[Arahant]], a fully [[awakened]] [[person]]. He has abandoned all ten [[fetters]] and, upon [[death]] ([[Sanskrit]]: [[Parinirvāṇa]], [[Pāli]]: ''[[Parinibbāna]]'') will never be [[reborn]] in any plane or [[world]], having wholly escaped [[saṃsāra]]. An [[Arahant]] had attained [[awakening]] by following the [[path]] given by the [[Buddha]]. In [[Theravada]] the term [[Buddha]] is reserved for [[Siddartha]] [[Gautama Buddha]], as [[being]] the one who discovered the [[path]] by himself. | + | The [[fourth stage]] is that of [[Arahant]], a fully [[awakened]] [[person]]. He has abandoned all ten [[fetters]] and, upon [[death]] ([[Sanskrit]]: [[Parinirvāṇa]], [[Pāli]]: ''[[Parinibbāna]]'') will never be [[reborn]] in any plane or [[world]], having wholly escaped [[saṃsāra]]. An [[Arahant]] had [[attained]] [[awakening]] by following the [[path]] given by the [[Buddha]]. In [[Theravada]] the term [[Buddha]] is reserved for [[Siddartha]] [[Gautama Buddha]], as [[being]] the one who discovered the [[path]] by himself. |
</poem> | </poem> | ||
{{W}} | {{W}} | ||
[[Category:Buddhist Terms]] | [[Category:Buddhist Terms]] | ||
[[Category:Enlightenment]]{{BuddhismbyNumber}} | [[Category:Enlightenment]]{{BuddhismbyNumber}} | ||
Revision as of 04:14, 27 January 2015
The four stages of enlightenment in Buddhism are the four progressive stages culminating in full enlightenment as an Arahat.
The four stages are Sotapanna, Sakadagami, Anagami and Arahat. The Buddha referred to people who are at one of these four stages as noble people (ariya-puggala) and the community of such persons within the bhikkhu-sangha as the noble sangha (ariya-sangha).
The teaching of the four stages of enlightenment is a central element of the early Buddhist schools, including the Theravada school of Buddhism, which still survives.
Origins
In the Sutta Pitaka several types of Buddhist practitioners are described, according to their level of attainment. The standard is four, but there are also longer descriptions with more types. The four are the Stream-enterer, Once-returner, Non-returner and the Arahat.
In the Visuddhimagga the four stages are the culmination of the seven purifications. The descriptions are elaborated and harmonized, giving the same sequence of purifications before attaining each of the four paths and fruits.
The Visuddhimagga stresses the importance of prajna, insight into anatta and the Buddhist teachings, as the main means to liberation. Vipassana has a central role in this path. Insight is emphasized by the contemporary Vipassana movement.
Path and Fruit
The Sutta Pitaka classifies the four levels according to the levels' attainments. The Sthaviravada/Theravada tradition, which believes that "progress in understanding comes all at once, 'insight' (abhisamaya) does not come 'gradually' (successively - anapurva)," has elaborated on this classification, describing each of the four levels as a path to be attained suddenly, followed by the realisation of the fruit of the path.
The process of becoming an Arahat is therefore characterized by four distinct and sudden changes, instead of a gradual development. The same stance is taken in the contemporary Vipassana movement, especially the so-called "New Burmese Method".
The ordinary person
An ordinary person or pruthajjana (Pali; Sanskrit: pṛthagjanai.e. pritha : without, and jnana : knowledge) is trapped in the endless cycling of samsara. One is reborn, lives, and dies in endless rebirths, either as a deva, human, animal, male, female, neuter, ghost, deity, divinity, or hellion, or various other entities on different categories of existence.
An ordinary entity has never seen and experienced the ultimate truth of Dharma and therefore has no way of finding an end to the predicament. It is only when suffering becomes acute, or seemingly unending, that an entity looks for a "solution" to and, if fortunate, finds the Dharma.
The four stages of attainment
The Sangha of the Tathagata's disciples (Ariya Sangha) can be described as including four or eight kinds of individuals. There are four [groups of noble disciples] when path and fruit are taken as pairs, and eight groups of individuals, when each path and fruit are taken separately:
(1) the path to stream-entry;
(2) the fruition of stream-entry;
(3) the path to once-returning;
(4) the fruition of once-returning;
(5) the path to non-returning;
(6) the fruition of non-returning;
(7) the path to arahantship;
(8) the fruition of arahantship.
Stream-enterer
The first stage is that of Sotāpanna (Pali; Sanskrit: Srotāpanna), literally meaning "one who enters (āpadyate) the stream (sotas)," with the stream being the supermundane Noble Eightfold Path regarded as the highest Dharma. The stream-enterer is also said to have "opened the eye of the Dharma" (dhammacakkhu, Sanskrit: dharmacakṣus).
A stream-enterer reaches arahantship within seven rebirths upon opening the eye of the Dharma.
Due to the fact that the stream-enterer has attained an intuitive grasp of Buddhist doctrine (samyagdṛṣṭi or sammādiṭṭhi, "right view") and has complete confidence or Saddha in the Three Jewels: Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha, that individual will not be reborn in any plane lower than the human (animal, preta, or in hell).
Once-returner
The second stage is that of the Sakadāgāmī (Sanskrit: Sakṛdāgāmin), literally meaning "one who once (sakṛt) comes (āgacchati)". The once-returner will at most return to the human world one more time. Both the stream-enterer and the once-returner have abandoned the first three fetters. The stream-enterer and once-returner are distinguished by the fact that the once-returner has weakened lust, hate, and delusion to a greater degree. The once-returner therefore has fewer than seven rebirths. They may take place in higher planes but will include rebirth in the human world at most only once more. Once-returners do not have only one more rebirth, as the name suggests, for that may not even be said with certainty about the non-returner who can take multiple rebirths in the five "Pure Abodes".
Non-returner
The third stage is that of the Anāgāmī (Sanskrit: Anāgāmin), literally meaning "one who does not (an-) come (āgacchati)". The non-returner, having overcome sensuality, does not return to human world, or any unfortunate world lower than that after death. Instead, non-returners are reborn in one of the five special worlds in Rūpadhātu called the Śuddhāvāsa worlds, or "Pure Abodes", and there attain Nirvāṇa; Pāli: Nibbana; some of them are reborn a second time in a higher world of the Pure Abodes.
An Anāgāmī has abandoned the five lower fetters, out of ten total fetters, that bind beings to the cycle of rebirth. An Anāgāmī is well advanced.
Arahant
The fourth stage is that of Arahant, a fully awakened person. He has abandoned all ten fetters and, upon death (Sanskrit: Parinirvāṇa, Pāli: Parinibbāna) will never be reborn in any plane or world, having wholly escaped saṃsāra. An Arahant had attained awakening by following the path given by the Buddha. In Theravada the term Buddha is reserved for Siddartha Gautama Buddha, as being the one who discovered the path by himself.
