Four Steps to EnlightenmentMorality regulates words and deeds;
concentra-tion controls the mind; but it is
Insight (Panna)that eradicates the defilements
completely, cultivates the Purity of Vision,
leading a person to Sainthood.
There are four stages of Sainthood:
- Sotapanna (Stream-Winner) He has
entered into the stream that leads to
Nibbana and is no more a worldling. He has
destroyed three Fetters: self-illusion,
doubts and adherence to rites and rituals.
He would not violate any of the Five
Precepts and is reborn seven times at the
most. - Sakadagami (Once-Returner) Afterentering
into the stream, he makes quick progress by
weakening two more Fetters:sense-desires
and ill will. He is now called aOnce-Returner
because he is reborn in thehuman realm
only once if he has notattainedArahantship
in that life. - Anagami (Never-Returner) After he has
destroyed sense desires and ill will, he
becomes an Anagami as he neither returns
to this world nor in the celestial realms.
After death he is reborn in a plane of
existence called the Pure Abodes and lives
there until he attains Arahantship.
4. Arahant (Worthy One) After the Anagami
destroys the remaining five Fetters:
attachment to Realm of Form, attachment
to Formless Realm, pride, restlessness, and
ignorance, he attains the final stage of
Sainthood - Arahantship. An Arahant is not
subject to rebirth because he does not
accumulate fresh Kammic activities. He
stands on heights, far removed from
uncontrolled passions and the defilements
of the world, experiencing the unutterable
bliss of Nibbana.
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