Ariyas(Noble Persons) Dr. Mehm Tin Mon |
Ariyas (Noble Persons)There are eight types of ariyas — namely, four magattha-persons and four phalattha-persons. The maggattha-persons, however, exist only for a conscious moment each, i.e., during the magga-citta they are experiencing. After the dissolution of the magga-citta, they become phalattha-persons. For example, a person is called a sotapatti maggattha person while the sotapatti-magga citta is arising in him. After the dissolution of this citta, sotapatti-phala citta arises in him and he is known as a sotapatti-phalattha person or sotapanna from this moment onwards. If a sotapanna again undertakes vipassana meditation, he will attain sakadagami-magga in due course. During this second magga-citta, he is called a sakadagami-maggattha person. After the dissolution of this citta, sakadagami-phala citta arises in him and he is known as a sakadagami-phlattha person or sakadagami from this moment onwards. A sakadagami may again undertake vipassana meditation. When he attains the third magga, he is known as an anagami-maggattha person while that magga-citta lasts. As soon as the magga-citta dissolves, anagami-phala citta arises in him and he is called an anagami-phalattha person or anagami from that moment onwards. Again an anagami may undertake vipassana meditation, and when he attains the fourth magga, he becomes an arahatta-maggattha person. But as soon as the arahatta-magga citta dissolves, arahatta-phala citta arises and he becomes an arahatta-phalattha person or arahat from that moment onwards. Thus the four maggattha persons exist for so short a duration that they cannot be pointed at. Only the four phalattha persons can be pointed at. Their distinct characteristics may be noted as follows. 1. Sotapanna or Sotapan A sotapanna is one who has attained sotapatti magga and sotapatti-phala. He (or she) can enjoy the peace of Nibbana whenever he wishes by developing the ecstatic absorption corresponding to sotapatti-phala samapatti. He is called a stream-winner because he has entered the stream that leads to Nibbana. The stream represents the noble Eightfold Path. He is no longer a worldling (putthujjana), but an ariya (noble person). A sotapanna has eradicated the two worst defilements, i.e., ditthi and vicikiccha, and three basic Fetters — namely, sakkaya-ditthi, vicikiccha and silabbataparamasa. He has also eliminated the coarse properties of the remaining defilements — the properties that can cast a person to the apaya abodes. So to him, the doors of the apaya abodes are closed for ever, neither will he be reverted to a worldling again. He has unwavering faith in Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha. He will also steadfastly observe the five precepts and will abstain from committing any of the ten akusala-kamma-pathas, i.e., ten ducaritas or unwholesome actions. The four lobha-mula ditthigata- sampayutta cittas and the moha-mula vicikiccha sampayutta citta will never arise in him. He may, however, enjoy the sense pleasures as an ordinary person. But he will not be reborn more than seven times in the sense-sphere (kama-loka). He will become an arahat in due course and after that last life, he will enjoy the peace of Nibbana for ever. There are three types of sotapanna:
(2) Sakadagami or Sakadagam A Sakadagami is one who has attained sakadagami-magga and phala. He (or she) can enjoy the peace of Nibbana whenever be wishes by developing the esctatic absorption corresponding to sakadagami phala-samapatti. 'Sakadagami'literally means once returner'. A sakadagami will be reborn only once in the sense sphere. He will then become an arahat and, after that last life, will be in Nibbana for ever. The cittas that arise in a sakadagami are the same as those which arise in a sotapanna with the only exception that a sakadagami enjoy sakadagami-phala-samapatti instead of sotapatti-phala-samapatti Compared to a sotapatti, a sakadagami has less raga, (lust, greed), dosa (illwill, hatred) and moha (delusion). Thus be is nobler than a sotapanna. There are six kinds of sakadagamis, namely:
3. Anagami or Anagam An anagami is one who has attained anagami magga and phala. He (or she) can enjoy the peace of Nibbana whenever he wishes by developing the ecstatic absorption corresponding to anagami-phala samapatti. Anagami literally means 'no returner'. An anagami will not be reborn in the sense sphere. If he does not attain the arahatship in the present life yet, he will be reborn in a Brahma realm or Pure Abode Suddhavasa), where he will attain arahatship and pass to Nibbana. Since the anagami-magga eliminates the kilesa dosa (hatred) and the two Fetters—namely, kamaraga (sense desire) and patigha (hatred or illwill), an anagamiwill no longer experience anger, hatred, worry, despair, fright, and any unpleasant mental feeling, neither will he enjoy sense pleasures. His mind will always be in peace and he will enjoy the ecstatic peace of Nibbana whenever he wishes by developing anagami-phaIa-samapatti. If he attains all the eight jhanas, he can also enjoy Nirodha samapatti during which all consciousness and mental activity are temporarily suspended. There are five types of anagamis:
4. Arahat An arahat is one who has attained arahatta magga and phala. He (or she) can enjoy the peace of Nibbana whenever he wishes by developing the ecstatic absorption corresponding to arahatta-phala-samapatti. He can enjoy Nirodha-samapatti if he attains the eight jhanas. Since arahatta magga eliminates all the defilernents (kilesa) an arahat has no greed, ill will, delusion, conceit, personality belief and other bad mental factors. He has no attachment to anything; so he is free from all entanglements. He does not regard anything as his own; thus he has no reason to feel sad because something is taken or stolen from him. Because he has uprooted all dosa (anger, hatred or ill-will) from his mind, he will never experience unpleasant mental feeling which accompanies dosa mula cittas.All the twelve akusala-cittas (immoral consciousness) will never arise in him. As his mind is always free from all defilements, it is at the purest state, making him the noblest one. He is a true Saint worthy of respect by men and devas and worthy of receiving alms which are offered to him with the intention of enjoying the benefits in the present life as well as in future lives. An arahat, literally meaning a worthy one, does not accomplish fresh kamma activities, and he is not subject to rebirth because the conditions for his reproduction in matter have been destroyed. Sotapannas, sakadagamis and anagamis are called sekhas because they have yet to undergo a training. Arahats are called asekhas because they no longer need to undergo any training. The arahat realizes that what is to be accomplished has been done. A heavy burden of misery has finally been thrown away, and all forms of craving and all shades of delusion have been annihilated. He now stands on heights higher than celestial, far removed from uncontrolled passions and the defilements of the world. There are five types of arahats:
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