Dhamma Letter No. 59

4 Levels of Enlightenment: Becoming an Ariya 2

To be continued from last Dhamma Letter.

Buddha described the qualities of who an Ariya is by which defilements have been removed. One can check their progress by studying the 10 fetters which bind beings to the cycle of rebirth:

1. Self-Illusion (Sakkaya-ditthi)
2. Doubt (Vicikiccha)
3. Attachment to Rules and Rituals (Silabbata-paramaso)
4. Sensual Lust (Kamacchando)
5. Ill Will (Vyapada)
6. Craving for fine material existence (Rupa-raga)
7. Craving for immaterial existence (Arupa-raga)
8. Conceit (Mana)
9. Restlessness (Uddhaccan)
10. Ignorance (Avijja)

An Anāgāmī (Non-returner) has abandoned the five lower fetters (#1-5) , but has the last 5 fetters remaining. An arahant has no fetters at all.

The entry of stream ariya (Sotāpanna : Stream-enterer) means that one who has this right view can automatically get rid of the other 2 fetters (attachments of ritual and ceremony & doubt of the 3 gems-- Buddha, Dhamma, Sangha). It is only with this right view that leads one successfully on the Noble Eightfold Path; Majjhima patipada(中道, Middle way) to the Nibbana.

When finally one becomes an Arahant, one understands thoroughly without hesitation:

"Birth is over.

The practice for purification has been accomplished.

I did my job and finished.

I will never come back as any being again." - Gotama Buddha

May you develop your concentration and insight through meditation!

May you be peaceful and happy!

May all practice well and reach to Magga (道, the path of enlightenment) and Phala(果, the fruit of enlightenment)!

With Metta,

Ayyā Kosallā
Edited by Euna Bonovich 

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If you have any questions related to dhamma & meditation, please feel free to ask. You can reach Ayya Kosalla directly at Bhikkhuni.Kosalla@gmail.com . 

법에 대한 질문이 있으신 분은 위의 이메일 주소로 질문을 남겨주세요.

위빠사나명상의 마음관찰에 대한 논문을 한글 원본으로 읽고 싶으신 분은 클릭해서 다운로드 받을 수 있습니다. (네이버에 PDF 첨부)

The Korean Dhamma Letter is here 담마레터.

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Buddha Sāsanaṁ Ciraṁ Tiṭṭhatu! 
May the Buddha’s teachings last a long time!

​Bhavatu Sabba Sotiṁ ca Maṅgalaṁ ca!!  
May everyone be led on the path of peace and blessing!!

Sādhu Sādhu Sādhu !