Levels of Noble Ones in Buddhism

Abstract

The Noble One means holy people who are divided into four levels, namely, Sotapanna, Sakadagami, Anagami and Arahanta. These levels do not
indicate the state of being males or females, acetics or laypeople. Instead, they refer to the state of mind or the virtue in different avoidance levels of SaÒyojana or
the passion that binds ten types of suffering. Sotapanna can avoid the
personality-view (Sakkayaditthi), uncertainty (Vicikiccha) and, adherence to rule (Silabbataparamasa). Sakadagami can avoid the three Sanyojanas like Sotapanna, and have less sensual lust (Kamaraga) and repulsion (Patigha) than Sotapanna. Anagami can completely avoid the five SaÒyojanasóthe personality-view (Sakkayaditthi), uncertainty (Vicikiccha), adherence to rule (Silabbataparamasa), sensual lust (Kamaraga), and repulsion (Patigha). Arahanta can be completely
avoid ten SaÒyojanasóthe personality-view (Sakkayaditthi), uncertainty
(Vicikiccha), adherence to rule (Silabbataparamasa), sensual lust (Kamaraga),
repulsion (Patigha), attachment to realms of form (Ruparaga), attachment to formless realms (Aruparaga), conceit (Mana), distraction (Uddhacca) and
ignorance (Avijja). Besides donating and observing the precepts, those who would become the noble ones must pray with patience. It does not mean that merely donating a lot of money to charities without practicing the dharma would achieve the advanced level of the attainment of dharma. Moreover, persuading people to make merit with a lot of money in order to have an opportunity to reach nirvana is unlikely to be possible.