The Stage of Stream-Entry

This chapter demonstrates that the contemporary Theravāda understanding of a stream-entrant has been heavily filtered by the Pāli commentarial interpretations. It argues that the concept has undergone a substantial elevation that renders it an almost unrealizable ideal within this lifetime. To trace such a transformation, this chapter begins by investigating the concept of stream-entry in early Buddhist discourses. It then outlines the nature of a stream-entrant as well as pre-requisites for attainment of the stage of stream-entry as reflected in the Pāli Nikāyas. More specifically, it explores the association of faith in the Three Jewels and moral virtues associated with the stage of stream-entry and whether meditation is required for the attainment of this stage. It then compares and contrasts the nature of a stream-entrant as reflected in the early Buddhist discourses with the nature of the practice of a lay follower as reflected in the same group of texts.