Stream-entry

A discussion on all aspects of Theravāda Buddhism
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Zenainder
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Stream-entry

Post by Zenainder »

Good morning forum,

The sutras references "four pairs" when it regards liberation (stream entry, etc.) and the first one is "the person on the path to stream-entry" and subsequently "the person experiencing the fruit of stream-entry". My question is simple, but I do not want to assume understanding that is not mutually held when reading this reference:

1) Is "the person on the path to stream-entry" considered one who is actively and genuinely engaged along the Noble 8 fold path?

&

2) How is "the person experiencing the fruit of stream-entry" defined in the sutras? How is "fruit" defined?

Metta,

Zen
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Viscid
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Re: Stream-entry

Post by Viscid »

I think question 1 can be rephrased more interestingly as:
Is it possible for someone to be dedicated to the Noble Eightfold Path and yet not be on the path to stream-entry?

My intuition says that if someone is attuning themselves toward Right View, they must necessarily be heading towards stream-entry, no? Once knowledge of the origin and cessation of suffering is fully understood, and the appropriate effort is put forth, stream-entry is inevitable. However, the degree to which an individual is 'dedicated to the path' can be quite varied-- and just because they've convinced themselves that they are following the Noble Eightfold Path doesn't necessarily mean that they can expect stream-entry.
"What holds attention determines action." - William James
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Zenainder
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Re: Stream-entry

Post by Zenainder »

Viscid wrote:I think question 1 can be rephrased more interestingly as:
Is it possible for someone to be dedicated to the Noble Eightfold Path and yet not be on the path to stream-entry?

My intuition says that if someone is attuning themselves toward Right View, they must necessarily be heading towards stream-entry, no? Once knowledge of the origin and cessation of suffering is fully understood, and the appropriate effort is put forth, stream-entry is inevitable. However, the degree to which an individual is 'dedicated to the path' can be quite varied-- and just because they've convinced themselves that they are following the Noble Eightfold Path doesn't necessarily mean that they can expect stream-entry.
Viscid,

Thanks for replying! You make a strong point and I do agree. I am just sifting as to how it is understood in the tradition? Is there a common understanding that if one is sincere, genuine, with a growing right view and right concentration (etc) is said person on the path to stream entry? It may seem like an unusual question as it is better to be experience the fruit of stream entry, but the Buddha seemed to preclude it with "a path to". Or is "the path to stream-entry" precluding its fruits an attained state that may be declared?

I have more questions regarding stream-entry, but lets start with these. :)

Metta,

Zen
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reflection
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Re: Stream-entry

Post by reflection »

As long as one still has a sense of "I exist", in a way one is on the path to stream entry every time one is practicing. It is understanding anatta that is important, not so much how the process will be like. Because understanding anatta, getting rid of the first fetter of self view, is a big part of what is called stream entering; this I see as one of the most important ways the suttas explain it.
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mikenz66
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Re: Stream-entry

Post by mikenz66 »

Hi Zen,

This collection may be helpful:
Into the Stream, A Study Guide on the First Stage of Awakening
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/stud ... tream.html

And the recent suttas that we have looked at in the Study Group, starting with:
SN 55.1: Raja Sutta — The Emperor
http://www.dhammawheel.com/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=17340

:anjali:
Mike
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Zenainder
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Re: Stream-entry

Post by Zenainder »

reflection wrote:As long as one still has a sense of "I exist", in a way one is on the path to stream entry every time one is practicing. It is understanding anatta that is important, not so much how the process will be like. Because understanding anatta, getting rid of the first fetter of self view, is a big part of what is called stream entering; this I see as one of the most important ways the suttas explain it.
Reflection,

I cannot help, but to agree.

It is interesting how difficult anatta view is explained for those entangled in it. I cannot fully explain it, but "no self" is certainly a continual insight that keeps dawning for me in very subtle and small ways. As laity, I can express gratitude in my path as I can see it everyday at work. To and fro this whirl of activity is going, but absent is the goer. Even that is too vague to explain it. I view it with a bit of humor of my mistaken attitude for who knows how long that there was something ever there.

I've at least come to understand that what sustains "the activity" ("me") comes causes and conditions, primarily desire: survival, belongings, and settling in; all in which run contrary to the main stream of not self, suffering, and impermanence. The "not self" portion, being only on the path to stream entry (or that is my aspiration at the very least) emerges in subtle forms and the truth is always there, but distractions, entanglements, etc. are abundant (which are only as subtle or harsh as right view and right concentration are present/developed).

I've also noticed a detached attitude towards strategy / tradition in how all of this is attained and developed. What matters more is walking the path. If I fret if I am practicing "right", I am doing it wrong, yet if I settle in my practice its easier. Letting go is the practice and in that is letting go of your practice. lol.

I apologize for my rambling. The activity is short of community as of right now ;) Sharing and exchanging knowledge has always been of value to me. "Learning, learning, learning."

Metta,

Zen
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reflection
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Re: Stream-entry

Post by reflection »

I think it is wise to see things in terms of experiences and practice. Not falling for the craving to be "stream winner" or "path attainer" or whatever have you. And also not looking for confirmation outside of ourselves. It's easy to fall for tricks of the mind like "I wish I was a (path/fruit) stream winner", or "let's see if the suttas say I'm already there", but all of that is not really useful. I think it's better to see what we are attached to and how to let that go.

:anjali:
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Zenainder
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Re: Stream-entry

Post by Zenainder »

reflection wrote:I think it is wise to see things in terms of experiences and practice. Not falling for the craving to be "stream winner" or "path attainer" or whatever have you. And also not looking for confirmation outside of ourselves. It's easy to fall for tricks of the mind like "I wish I was a (path/fruit) stream winner", or "let's see if the suttas say I'm already there", but all of that is not really useful. I think it's better to see what we are attached to and how to let that go.

:anjali:
Reflection,

Heh yeah, the truth is within and the "need" for outside approval negates it. In regards to what I consider "carrot on the stick philosophy" of a conceptualized, impossible goal results in unskillful habitual tendencies and increases suffering. Been there, done that and please keep the t-shirt. I privately (shh tell noone ;) )tend to reflect on stream-entry more openly. It being more of a path as a whole, rather than a single conceptualized event. I reflect on the word "attainment" loosely as, just as you said, craving to be something is deceiving and paradoxical. I've come to find it useless to erroneously and constantly doubt the path.

All I can say is the practice works to reduce suffering and so I proceed. :shrug:

Metta,

Zen

P.S. - Thanks for your input I find it... reflective ;-)
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Zenainder
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Re: Stream-entry

Post by Zenainder »

mikenz66 wrote:Hi Zen,

This collection may be helpful:
Into the Stream, A Study Guide on the First Stage of Awakening
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/stud ... tream.html

And the recent suttas that we have looked at in the Study Group, starting with:
SN 55.1: Raja Sutta — The Emperor
http://www.dhammawheel.com/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=17340

:anjali:
Mike
Mikenz66,

Thanks for that link! It does help answer the pair of questions there. I see bhante seemed to leave it an open ended question in regards to exactly what it is or how one knows. Or it could be I am struggling with my own understanding vs. what is being relayed. Definitely something to contemplate.

I tend to wonder if one who is experiencing the fruit grows into it, much like an apple tree bearing apples, it just happens with the right conditions? It is not like the tree concentrated with all its might screaming "apples!!!!!! @_____@" that apples grew any way. :lol:

Metta,

Zen
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Zenainder
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Re: Stream-entry

Post by Zenainder »

I find it remarkable that bhante ended the article regarding stream entry with this quote:
"Therefore, Dighavu, when you are established in these four factors of stream entry, you should further develop six qualities conducive to clear knowing. Remain focused on inconstancy in all fabrications, percipient of stress in what is inconstant, percipient of not-self in what is stressful, percipient of abandoning, percipient of dispassion, percipient of cessation. That's how you should train yourself."

— SN 55.3
Even after being established in the four factors for stream entry the path continues. I am coming to the conclusion that stream entry is not so much an "attainment" and more of road marker. Much like a traveler journeying to yonder and aftering months of travel sees a sign indicating the city he wishes to arrive to is so many 100 of miles away. It'd be silly, in my opinion, for him to stop completely and rejoice as if he arrived. The sign is only a guide or an indicator that "hey I am headed in the right direction and I am near". Certainly there is relief to arrive at the sign, but there is still the rest of the journey to undertake.

I suppose it is best to journey well then, eh?

Zen
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reflection
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Re: Stream-entry

Post by reflection »

The suttas compare sotapanna to seeing water in the well but not being able to drink it. Or being able to swim towards the shore but still being in the ocean. So in itself it is just a means to an end, indeed just a signpost. I remember an Ajahn Chah quote that said "let your aim be nibbana". And I think that's wise in that if one is trying to conceptualize the stages in between it can stand in the way of letting go. Of course it can be helpful to have an idea of what we should let go, so I think seeing things in terms of the hindrances and the fetters is useful, but trying to 'mimic' sotapanna by its definition is not. That if one just knew how the process goes, one can in a sense copy it or steer towards it; that is not really helpful I don't think.

:anjali:
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manas
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Re: Stream-entry

Post by manas »

reflection wrote:As long as one still has a sense of "I exist", in a way one is on the path to stream entry every time one is practicing. It is understanding anatta that is important, not so much how the process will be like. Because understanding anatta, getting rid of the first fetter of self view, is a big part of what is called stream entering; this I see as one of the most important ways the suttas explain it.
Hi reflection,

with respect, I think that some might read into that, that a stream enterer has the perception "I do not exist" - which is incorrect. That too would be a type of self-view, still fettered. "I exist, I do not exist": as I recall, both are classed as wrong view, are they not?

kind regards
manas
To the Buddha-refuge i go; to the Dhamma-refuge i go; to the Sangha-refuge i go.
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Re: Stream-entry

Post by reflection »

manas wrote:
reflection wrote:As long as one still has a sense of "I exist", in a way one is on the path to stream entry every time one is practicing. It is understanding anatta that is important, not so much how the process will be like. Because understanding anatta, getting rid of the first fetter of self view, is a big part of what is called stream entering; this I see as one of the most important ways the suttas explain it.
Hi reflection,

with respect, I think that some might read into that, that a stream enterer has the perception "I do not exist" - which is incorrect. That too would be a type of self-view, still fettered. "I exist, I do not exist": as I recall, both are classed as wrong view, are they not?

kind regards
manas
Yes, that is included. But in a sense, to say "I do not exist", does also imply an imagined "I" somewhere.. in a certain way at least.
chownah
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Re: Stream-entry

Post by chownah »

reflection wrote:
manas wrote:
reflection wrote:As long as one still has a sense of "I exist", in a way one is on the path to stream entry every time one is practicing. It is understanding anatta that is important, not so much how the process will be like. Because understanding anatta, getting rid of the first fetter of self view, is a big part of what is called stream entering; this I see as one of the most important ways the suttas explain it.
Hi reflection,

with respect, I think that some might read into that, that a stream enterer has the perception "I do not exist" - which is incorrect. That too would be a type of self-view, still fettered. "I exist, I do not exist": as I recall, both are classed as wrong view, are they not?

kind regards
manas
Yes, that is included. But in a sense, to say "I do not exist", does also imply an imagined "I" somewhere.. in a certain way at least.
Would you say then that "I do not exist" is probably wrong view but that "there is no I" might be better in that it detaches "I" from the speaker?......and in terms of "self" it is probably wrong view to say "I have no self" but to say "there is no self" might be better?
chownah
david.sojourn
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Re: Stream-entry

Post by david.sojourn »

Zenainder wrote: 2) How is "the person experiencing the fruit of stream-entry" defined in the sutras? How is "fruit" defined?

Metta,

Zen
All definitions are Conventions. You may want to let go of the ardent search for "Definitions".

And about that fruit, it must be tasted, experienced, directly "Known" before it can be "Understood". It cannot be defined. As soon as you label it with a definition, you have deceived. Limited the understanding of its scope. As soon as you define something, you create a new convention, that takes on a life all it's own, and may just become an evil being itself.

This is because when you read a definition of something, Especially one given by one who does not have direct experience of the "Fruit" you develop a preconceived notion in the mind. You "Create" a convention every time you try to define something. These are the very conventions that block the path to Stream Entry.

Let go of all the words.

Stream Entry is attained, NOT through algorithmic practices, but by opening up to the world around you.

For right Understanding, delve deeply into the things people say, and tear them all apart. Don't believe anything. Trust nothing. Not even yourself. Throw it all away. The science, the news broadcasts, everything in the books, just start throwing it all away. You're not trying to "Analytically" understand the world, but to "Open" up, to become more and more "Aware" of the way things truly are. To begin doing this, you must begin letting go of the way you are being "Told" they are. I could argue with you that all modern science is absolutely wrong, but who would believe me? :tongue:

Right Intention is to cultivate a positive attitude toward the world. Listen to your heart when it tells you that you are doing something wrong. Listen to your heart when it tells you that you are doing something right. Throw away the lists and the books, and all the "Other" peoples ideas of what is "Right Intention". The answers are in your own heart already. They come pre-loaded. That is why we call it "True Nature". Practice, choosing wholesome acts over unwholesome acts. Practice at it. But to learn truly what is wholesome? What is unwholesome?

Is a cheeseburger and a six pack of beer an unwholesome act? Ah, it can be, can't it. But is it? I can NOT be as well. Stream entry is not blocked by cheeseburgers and six packs of beer. Stream entry is blocked by not understanding your relationship to these things, and the world around you.

In Right Speech, Right Livelihood, and Right Action, you are striving to improve yourself as a human being, to choose the decisions that cultivate compassion, love, and happiness in your heart. Do not perceive the eight fold path as an algorithmic way into enlightenment, or a "Hard coded" list. Perceiving the eightfold path in that way turns it into a convention, within itself. See it not as a list of 8 things, but a guideline on how to live a wholesome life, which IS the path toward enlightenment. To "Live more naturally", more "Harmoniously", more "Symbiotically". To develop a better and better understanding of who you are.

You're not trying to "Become" the Buddha. The very process of trying to "Become" something other than what is your own, personal, true nature, is an obstruction to the path.

It does not require being a monk to find enlightenment. I have it on very good authority. It is open to the painter, the writer, the sculptor, the singer, as well. It is open to those who listen to music, and even those who eat too much food. It is open to those who smoke, and drink, and even those who do drugs.

But, there are so many "Books", so many "Conventions" ABOUT what Stream Entry is, that few understand it. Few can experience it because you're always LOOKING for something. You're always trying to GET something. Most of you are trying to "Get the f*** out of here!!!!" by seeking exhalted states of extreme bliss and happiness.....and yet....

Those, even if you do find them, are in themselves impermanent.....

What is Happiness?

The Buddha understood Suffering, and the Path to Non-Suffering.

The Buddha, however, seems to have forgotten to put out the information on:

"Happiness, and the path away from Non-Happiness".

Don't trust what you have read. Let it all go. Begin again.

For Right Mindfulness, open up to your world. Begin to examine, investigate, observe, reflect. Mindfulness is NOT some specific thing you must do. You can be mindful walking to the store, doing the dishes, and playing with the dog. You can be mindful standing in line at the DMV, you can be mindful when listening to the radio (And it's fine to enjoy it as well). You can be mindful when surfing porn, and jerking off once you've found the right selection.

Ah, you might say, "But those mindfulness's aren't Buddhist! They won't get you to enlightenment!"

You're missing the point.

I'm going to give you all a very big hint:

If you can learn what it is to be mindful while jerking off, the path will open. If you take offense to that statement, or think I'm joking, you will remain locked in Ignorance.

For Right concentration, well, don't worry so much about Jhana. It's certainly not required for Enlightenment, and the Buddha may have spoken just a little bit too highly about it, anyway.... Keep the mind pointed. When it wanders off on silly things, bring it home. Find those desires deep down in your heart, and put the mind to those tasks.

And when doing dishes, be mindful. Clean them well. Keep the mind on the task of doing dishes. Dishes. Dishes. Dishes. If the cat meows, go ahead, shift to the cat. What does it want? Be mindful of the cat. Concentrate on it for some time. See what the cat is saying. Is the cat saying something? When the stomach growls, switch to the growl. What's that there? Stay with it a moment. Just a moment is fine. Don't try to penetrate it until you have burned a hole into your intestines from the power of your gaze. What is a stomach growling for anyway? Then, back to the dishes. Dishes. Dishes. Dishes.

The world is an illusion.

And you live surrounded by a grand deception.

STOP paying attention to it so damn much, so you can START paying attention to it.
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