In short: early Buddhism describes four stages of awakening, each defined by which of the ten fetters have been cut. Stream-enterers cut self-view, doubt and attachment to rites and rituals. Once-returners weaken sensual desire and ill will. Non-returners end them. Arahants cut all ten and are fully free.
The ten fetters
The Fetters discourse (AN 10.13) lists them:
- Lower: self-view, doubt, attachment to rites and rituals, sensual desire, ill will.
- Higher: desire for form, desire for the formless, conceit, restlessness, ignorance.
The four stages
- Stream-enterer: first three fetters gone.
- Once-returner: sensual desire and ill will weakened.
- Non-returner: sensual desire and ill will gone.
- Arahant: all ten fetters gone.
Why it matters
The map shows that awakening is gradual and practical. See not-self, nirvana and the Noble Eightfold Path.
Next: what do Buddhists believe? · the seven factors of awakening
Questions people ask
What are the four stages of awakening?
Stream-enterer (sotapanna), once-returner (sakadagami), non-returner (anagami) and arahant. Each stage loosens more of the ten fetters that bind beings to suffering.
What are the ten fetters?
Five lower fetters (self-view, doubt, attachment to rites and rituals, sensual desire, ill will) and five higher fetters (desire for refined form, desire for the formless, conceit, restlessness, ignorance).
What is a stream-enterer?
A person who has seen the Four Noble Truths for themselves, has unshakeable confidence in the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha, and has let go of the first three fetters.