Question 90: CAN YOU ELABORATE ON THE CONCEPT OF ENLIGHTENMENT IN BUDDHISM?

Answer: The Buddha’s definition of enlightenment is very profound. Even if one can enter a deep state of meditative absorption, this is only considered a meditative achievement but it is not regarded as true enlightenment or attaining a stage of sainthood. True enlightenment, or Sainthood, is achieved only when one eradicates the deep-seated invisible defilements, known as kilesas (mental fetters), within the deepest layers of the mind.

Kilesas are the natural instincts of sentient beings that influence all thoughts and behaviors. These include inclinations such as selfishness, arrogance, greed, anger, hatred, stubbornness, laziness, cowardice, blame-shifting, fear and at the deepest level of mental fetters, ignorance (avidya).

The Buddha identified four stages of enlightenment (or Sainthood):

Sotāpanna (Stream-enterer): At this stage, one eliminates the first three defilements: selfishness, stubbornness, and indecisiveness (lack of firm principles). A Sotāpanna is highly ethical, reveres the Buddha absolutely, and possesses a strong sense of inner mindfulness but has not yet achieved deep meditative absorption (samadhi) or Supernatural powers (abhinna). A Sotapanna will still be reborn multiple times to continue practicing and accumulating more merit.
Sakadāgāmi (Once-returner): At this stage, the defilements of greed and anger have been significantly weakened (though not entirely eradicated). The Sakadāgāmi’s morality is profound; they begin to reach deep meditative mindfulness and may even attain the First jhāna (the first stage of deep meditative ecstasy). They have strong intuition and can foresee many things. A Sakadāgāmī will return to the human realm only once more to resolve their remaining karma before ascending to higher realms and ultimately attaining Nirvana.
Anāgāmi (Non-returner): This stage marks the complete eradication of the core defilements of greed and hatred. However, five subtler defilements still remain, including attachment to the Form Realm (desire for rebirth in the Form Heavens), attachment to the Formless Realm (desire for rebirth in the Formless Heavens), complacency (contentment with their peaceful state of mind, leading to a lack of further effort), subtle pride (still seeing other beings as inferior), and ignorance (the root defilement). An Anāgāmi will no longer be reborn into the human realm (unless they choose to be) but will dwell in the higher realms of the Form or Formless Heavens, where they will attain Nirvana. An Anāgāmi often possesses great Supernatural powers.
Arahant (Fully Enlightened One): At this final stage, all defilements are completely eradicated, including ignorance. An Arahant attains fully the Threefold Knowledge, the Six Supernatural Powers and supreme enlightenment, transcending all realms of existence and achieving ultimate liberation.

The concept of enlightenment in Buddhism is extremely profound and intricate, requiring significant spiritual practice to fully grasp its meaning.

The Author

JANNA is the pen name of a certain monk who does not wish to use his real name. He is likely mature enough to understand that fame, wealth, and glory are as fleeting as morning mist.

In Pali, “JANNA” means purity, so it’s unclear which country he’s from. However, he seems to have studied the Nikaya scriptures.

Although he writes about Buddhism, he appears to desire unity with other religions to contribute to the cause of world peace. He attempts to demonstrate how differences can complement one another…