Four stages of enlightenment
Okay kiddo, so the four stages of enlightenment are like climbing a ladder with four steps. Each step takes you closer to the top, where you can see things more clearly and feel happier inside. Let me explain each step:
Step 1: Stream-entry – This is like taking the first step on the ladder. It means you finally understand what Buddha taught about life and your mind. It’s like a light bulb going off in your head, and suddenly you see the world in a new way. You realize that everything is connected, and nothing is permanent. This can make you feel more at peace and less afraid of death.
Step 2: Once-return – This is like taking a second step on the ladder. You’ve made some progress, but you still have more work to do. At this stage, you’ve gotten rid of some of your bad habits and negative thoughts. You may have even had a glimpse of what it feels like to be truly happy. But you still have some attachments that keep you from reaching the top of the ladder.
Step 3: Non-return – This is like taking a third step on the ladder. It means you’ve gotten rid of most of your attachments and unwelcome thoughts. You’re no longer driven by cravings or desires that cause you suffering. You’ve overcome what’s called the "three poisons" of greed, hatred, and delusion. At this point, you’re much happier than before and can find joy in the simple things in life.
Step 4: Arahant – This is like taking the final step on the ladder. It means you’ve reached the top and can see everything clearly without any obstructions. At this point, you’ve completely overcome all the things that kept you from being happy, and you’re living in complete peace and contentment. You’ve become wise, compassionate, and loving towards all living things. You’re no longer bound by the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.
So, these are the four stages of enlightenment, and it’s like climbing a ladder with four steps. Remember, each step takes you closer to the top, where you can see things more clearly and feel happier inside.
Step 1: Stream-entry – This is like taking the first step on the ladder. It means you finally understand what Buddha taught about life and your mind. It’s like a light bulb going off in your head, and suddenly you see the world in a new way. You realize that everything is connected, and nothing is permanent. This can make you feel more at peace and less afraid of death.
Step 2: Once-return – This is like taking a second step on the ladder. You’ve made some progress, but you still have more work to do. At this stage, you’ve gotten rid of some of your bad habits and negative thoughts. You may have even had a glimpse of what it feels like to be truly happy. But you still have some attachments that keep you from reaching the top of the ladder.
Step 3: Non-return – This is like taking a third step on the ladder. It means you’ve gotten rid of most of your attachments and unwelcome thoughts. You’re no longer driven by cravings or desires that cause you suffering. You’ve overcome what’s called the "three poisons" of greed, hatred, and delusion. At this point, you’re much happier than before and can find joy in the simple things in life.
Step 4: Arahant – This is like taking the final step on the ladder. It means you’ve reached the top and can see everything clearly without any obstructions. At this point, you’ve completely overcome all the things that kept you from being happy, and you’re living in complete peace and contentment. You’ve become wise, compassionate, and loving towards all living things. You’re no longer bound by the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.
So, these are the four stages of enlightenment, and it’s like climbing a ladder with four steps. Remember, each step takes you closer to the top, where you can see things more clearly and feel happier inside.