Great-Bliss-Tantric-Sex-and-the-Path-to-Inner-Awakening

and worry, 4) the conceit “I am,” and 5) ignorance of the Four Noble Truths. Once you attain the
first of these four levels, you are called a noble one (ārya pudgala/ārya pudgalā):
1. Stream Enterer
As a stream enterer (srota āpanna/srota āpannā), you have attained Right View, and released the
first three and most crucial lower fetters of false views, doubt, and heretical practices. You are
certain to attain liberation within seven lifetimes.
2. Once-Returner
Attaining the level of a once-returner (sakṛidāgāmin/sakṛidāgāminī), you are successful in
cultivating wisdom, ethical behavior, and meditative concentration, and have weakened the last
two lower fetters of desire and aversion. You will attain liberation in your next lifetime.
3. Non-Returner
In becoming a non-returner (anāgāmin/anāgāminī), you have released the last two lower fetters
of desire and aversion. You are permanently liberated from the Realm of Desire. After death you
are reborn into a pure realm where you will attain liberation swiftly.
4. Liberated One
As a liberated one (arhat/arhatī), or “worthy one,” you have attained permanent peace and bliss.
You have released all five higher fetters: 1) desire for the Realm of Form, 2) desire for the Realm
of Formlessness, 3) agitation, 4) the conceit “I am,” and 5) ignorance of the Four Noble Truths.
Though you have achieved essentially the same realization as a buddha, you do not have the
same worldly mission as a buddha and live the remainder of your life in seclusion.
Benefits
As your understanding of the Dharma deepens, your mind becomes clearer. You know that you
are on the right path in your life. You are confident, but quietly so. Through behaving ethically,
your mind is not troubled by guilt. By developing peace and bliss in meditation, people and
things that once troubled you become untroubling. Physical health, mental clarity, pleasure,
wealth, beauty, long life and joyful relationships naturally come your way. For lay followers, the
Buddha promised welfare and happiness in this life and in future lives. And yet, he maintained,
none of this will result in permanent happiness. To attain the supreme goal of the Buddhist path,
you must set your intention on liberation through renunciation of all worldly ties.
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