Wisdom Talks 18 – The 4 Stages of Enlightenment
In this episode of Wisdom Talks John Barter reflects on the ‘The 4 Stages of Enlightenment” as categorised in Theravada Buddhism. They relate to psychological factors that hold the mind back or hinder the mind from being completely free from stress, distress, angst, unease and suffering.
In This Episode:
- The 4 Stages of Enlightenment
1. A Stream-enterer (Sotapanna) is free from:
1. Identity view
2. Attachment to rights and rituals
3. Doubt or skepticism as to the teachings
2. A Once-returner (Sakadagami) has a greater depth of understanding seeing truths, seeing reality and a mind further reduced from:
4. Attachment to sense desires
5. Ill will and anger
3. A Non-returner (Anagami) is further refined and free from:
4. Attachment to sense desires
5. Ill will and anger
4. Arahat is free from the five lower fetters and the five higher fetters, which are:
6. Craving for prosperity in the material world
7. Craving or existence in the ideal world (heaven)
8. Conceit
9. Restlessness
10. Ignorance
- The set of 10 hindrances (fetters or limitations) that limit the mind from freedom and clarity (complete spiritual enlightenment)
1. Identity view (being caught into the belief of a permanent personality or self that doesn’t change)
2. Attachment to rights and rituals (believing they are going to save you)
3. Doubt or skepticism as to wisdom teachings (such as the Buddha’s)
4. Attachment to sense desires
5. Being caught into anger, ill will, frustration
6. Craving for prosperity in the material world
7. Craving or existence in the ideal world (heaven)
8. Conceit (being caught into I am something or someone; egoic self and self centredness)
9. Restlessness (having a sense of i like, I don’t want, not getting enough of; underlying restlessness that comes from being caught into egoic self)
10. Ignorance (not understanding the way or truth of things)
