Four stages of enlightenment

Four Stages of Enlightenment

The concept of the Four Stages of Enlightenment is a significant aspect of Buddhism, particularly within the Theravada tradition. These stages represent the progressive path towards achieving Nirvana, the ultimate goal of liberation from the cycle of samsara (rebirth). Each stage marks a deeper level of understanding and detachment from worldly desires and attachments.

The Four Stages

The four stages of enlightenment are:

1. Sotāpanna (Stream-enterer)

A Sotāpanna, or "stream-enterer," is the first stage of enlightenment. At this stage, an individual has eradicated the first three of the ten fetters that bind beings to the cycle of rebirth. These fetters are:

• Belief in a permanent self (sakkāya-diṭṭhi)
• Doubt or uncertainty, especially about the teachings of the Buddha (vicikicchā)
• Attachment to rites and rituals (sīlabbata-parāmāsa)

A Sotāpanna is assured of reaching full enlightenment within seven lifetimes and will not be reborn in any of the lower realms.

2. Sakadāgāmi (Once-returner)

A Sakadāgāmi, or "once-returner," is the second stage of enlightenment. At this stage, the practitioner has further weakened the fetters of sensual desire (kāmacchanda) and ill will (vyāpāda). A Sakadāgāmi will be reborn at most one more time in the human realm before attaining full enlightenment.

3. Anāgāmi (Non-returner)

An Anāgāmi, or "non-returner," is the third stage of enlightenment. An individual at this stage has completely eradicated the fetters of sensual desire and ill will. An Anāgāmi is not reborn in the human realm but is reborn in one of the higher Brahma worlds, where they will attain full enlightenment.

4. Arahant

An Arahant is the fourth and final stage of enlightenment. An Arahant has eradicated all ten fetters, including:

• Craving for material existence (rūparāga)
• Craving for immaterial existence (arūparāga)
• Conceit (māna)
• Restlessness (uddhacca)
• Ignorance (avijjā)

An Arahant has achieved Nirvana and is no longer subject to rebirth.

Significance in Buddhism

The attainment of these stages is considered a profound achievement in the Buddhist path. Each stage represents a significant reduction in suffering and a closer approach to the ultimate goal of Nirvana. The teachings on the four stages of enlightenment are found in various suttas of the Pali Canon, which is the primary scripture of the Theravada tradition.

Related Concepts

• Nirvana
• Samsara
• Buddha
• Dharma
• Sangha

References

• "The Path of Purification" (Visuddhimagga) by Buddhaghosa
• "In the Buddha's Words: An Anthology of Discourses from the Pali Canon" by Bhikkhu Bodhi