Four Stages

Four Stages (Pali: Cattari Ariyasaccani) refer to the four stages of awakening in Theravada Buddhism: stream-enterer, once-returner, non-returner, and arhat.

Overview

Each stage represents progressive elimination of the ten fetters (samyojanas) that bind beings to samsara. The stages provide a clear path to liberation.

Philosophical Context

In Theravada philosophy, the four stages describe the gradual purification of the mind. Each stage has a specific number of remaining fetters and determines the number of rebirths remaining.

Interpretations

The four stages are: Sotapanna (stream-enterer), Sakadagami (once-returner), Anagami (non-returner), and Arahant (worthy one). Each stage is irreversible.

Verification Notes

• Four progressive stages of Buddhist awakening
• Sotapanna, Sakadagami, Anagami, Arahant
• Each stage progressively eliminates defilements