CHINESE SUPERSTITIONS - University of Oregon

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laymen thus formed various grades of adherents, of whom the
following are the principal.
1. Upasakas. — These were mere lay members, who, without
entering upon monastic life, observed the five chief rules of conduct.
Their practical religion was to give food and clothing to the monks (1).
Wealthy folks built monasteries, or donated parks, gardens, wells
and bathing-rooms for the use of the community (2). They thus
acquired merit, and shared in the good works of the monks.
2. Sramanas, or Samanas. — This term means ascetic, or
subject to monastic discipline. It comprised all those, who separated
themselves from their family and the world, and were admitted into
the Sang ha (3).
All such members were deemed to have entered the
stream leading to Arhatship. In former times, they
were called
Bhihshus, that is "mendicant monks", because they led a life of
poverty, and lived by alms.
3. Sotapanni. — Those who through Dhyana, or contemplation,
have obtained the first inner perception of truth and sanctity, are
called Sotapanni. The Sotapanno has freed himself from the first
three fetters— namely, delusion of self, doubts about Buddha's doctrine,
and dependence on external rites (4). He can only be reborn as a
god or man, but not in the four lower phases of sentient beings (5).
4. Sakad-agami. — This is the state of the ascetic, who has
nearly freed himself from the first five fetters, but has not yet
(1) Eitel. Sanscrit-Chinese Dictionary, p. 15C>. — Monier Williams. Bud-
dhism, p. 89.
(2) Bimbisara, king of Magadha, and Pasenadi (Prasenajit), king of
Kosala, were Guatama's lay disciples and constant patrons. Monier Williams.
Buddhism, p. 48.
(3) Guatama discouraged solitary asceticism. The true Buddhist leads
a celibate monastic life. Monier Williams. Buddhism, p. 75 and 89. —
Chinese Superstitions. Vol. VI. p. 145. note 4.
(4) Monier Williams. Buddhism p. 132 (Stages of Moral Perfection).
(5) That is as an Asitra, or demon; an animal, a Pretct or hungry ghost
or as a being undergoing torments in hell. Monier Williams. Buddhism,
p. 121. — Chinese Superstitions. Vol. VII. p. 257. note 2.