Stream-enterer
Main article: Sotāpanna
The first stage is that of Sotāpanna , literally meaning "one who enters the stream" with the stream being the Noble Eightfold Path regarded as the highest Dharma. The stream-enterer is also said to have "opened the eye of the Dharma". A stream-enterer usually reaches enlightenment within seven successive rebirths upon opening the eye of the Dharma.
Due to the fact that the stream-enterer has attained an intuitive grasp of Buddhist doctrine "right view", and has complete confidence in the Three Jewels: Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha, he will not be reborn in any of the unhappy states or rebirths (an animal, a preta, or in hell).
Sotāpanna
The three fetters which the Sotāpanna eradicates are:
1.Identity view - The speculative view that a so-called self exists in the five aggregates (physical forms, feelings/sensations, perception, mental formations and consciousness) is eradicated because the Sotāpanna gains insight into the selfless nature of the aggregates.
2.Skeptical Doubt - Doubt about the Buddha and his teaching is eradicated because the Sotāpanna personally experiences the true nature of reality through insight, and this insight confirms the accuracy of the Buddha’s teaching.
3.Clinging to rites and rituals - Clinging to the view that one becomes pure simply through performing ritual or rigid moralism, such as praying to God for deliverance, slaughtering animals for sacrifice, ablutions, etc. is eradicated because the Sotāpanna realizes that rites and ritual are nothing more than an obstructive tradition, repetitious rites and dead dogmas; Deliverance can be won only through the practice of the Noble Eightfold Path.
As I struggled with earthly/human issues today - I wandered into my meditation room for a brief respite from my suffering! It is true that we all view suffering through our subjective perspectives. My struggles and suffering are no more nor any less than anothers...they are simply mine! I personally became tired of suffering several years ago, 5 to be exact, and began on this path of "more than one root." On this path I had the fortune to be introduced to Buddhism. The Christian Theology that I had grown up with gave me no room to rid myself of suffering - Buddhism and more importantly, Meditation did!
Today, as I meditated, I realized that for a while I have been sitting on the edge of the stream. The stream in my mind's eye divides me from the spirit realm. Today, I entered the stream. I feel some better! I let the cool water of the stream wash over me, I felt cleansed. And as I understand it, I will not be reborn into any of the unhappy states - animal, preta, or hell - just for today, that makes me feel better...
I didn't begin this journey to abandon the God of my childhood. I began this journey to find a way to end suffering. I entered the stream to be cleansed, to be set free! And for that, I am grateful!
blessings
