Here are the four stages of enlightenment.
Stream-enterer (Sotapanna)
When you become a Stream-enterer, you let go of the belief that you’re really a separate self living inside your head and looking through your eyes. This illusion is eliminated, and when you look within you can’t find a self anywhere.
Stream-enterers have also let go of attachment to rites and rituals and doubts about the teachings.
Once-returner (Sakadagami)
Once-returners have entered a stage where their “no-self” is completely integrated, and they experience a significant reduction in attachment and aversion and the suffering that accompanies these states of mind.
They are much more detached. For example, occasional irritation and preference replace hatred and greed, which no longer have any hold over the once-returner.
Non-returner (Anāgāmi)
The Non-returners are free from feelings of sensual desire and ill will towards others. They are seen to be partially enlightened and on the way to complete enlightenment.
They experience significant levels of compassion as they have lost the sense of separation between themselves and others.
Arahant
The fourth stage is free from having any craving for prosperity in the material world, doesn’t crave existence in the ideal world (which is heaven), doesn’t experience conceit, never feels restlessness and isn’t subject to ignorance.
At this stage, the person is experiencing ultimate nirvana. The feeling has been compared to falling into the depths of a cloud and disappearing. The circumstances of life no longer stir even the slightest craving or dissatisfaction.
If you’re interested in achieving these four stages of enlightenment, or feel that you’re already making progress in this direction, we have some articles to share that may help advance you on your path.
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