The attainment of the second stage of enlightenment, while metaphorical, provides an unmistakable direction. Though initially bewildering and intellectually incomprehensible, it cultivates an instinct that gradually matures into clear understanding.
The Nature of Consciousness
Buddhist teaching illuminates a fundamental distinction in consciousness (citta) between the unenlightened mind and that of a sotapanna (stream-enterer). In the unrealized mind, mental roots operate in isolation – either greed, hatred, or delusion dominates each moment. Even in wholesome states, only one positive root – non-greed (generosity), non-hatred (loving-kindness), or non-delusion (wisdom) – manifests in any given thought-moment.
The sotapanna’s realization brings access to the phala (fruition) consciousness, emerging from the transformative magga (path) moment. This transcendental consciousness uniquely accommodates all three wholesome roots simultaneously, while permanently destabilizing unwholesome roots. The phala cittas – typically manifesting as two or three resultant consciousness moments – integrate into the practitioner’s bhavanga (life-continuum), becoming an unshakeable inner sanctuary amid life’s turbulence.
The Path of Integration
The Buddhist teaching that a sotapanna has at most seven remaining lifetimes initially seems incredible. Yet Buddhism’s precise nature, while challenging conventional belief, reveals profound truth through direct experience. The transformative journey toward Arahantship appears incomprehensible only to those who abandon the path prematurely.
Looking back across a decade, my progress followed a clear direction, though the experience remained purely instinctual and often challenging. Stripped of conventional purpose, I found refuge in therapeutic creativity – particularly writing. For four months, I maintained an unwavering routine: breakfast, writing for hours, followed by long, contemplative walks. This period, while potentially appearing manic, maintained an unusual containment and focus, resulting in six books exploring the intersection of mental illness and spirituality.
The Nature of Goodness
The challenge of being ‘good’ reveals a fundamental paradox. Internal critics question our motives, while external observers may perceive genuine goodness as weakness. This creates a unique form of suffering – the aspiration toward goodness coupled with fear of exploitation or ridicule.
This dynamic illuminates why the selfless Buddhist finds goodness natural, while the consciously pious might experience internal conflict. Striving to embody goodness requires constant effort, whereas in true selflessness, alternatives cease to exist. Consider a perfectly illuminated room – darkness only manifests when the smallest particle creates shadow.
The Alchemical Transformation
The eleventh alchemical stage, multiplication, represents the return to worldly engagement – the ‘Return of the Hero’ or divine descent into materiality. Despite feelings of brokenness and professional rejection, gradual reintegration occurs naturally. When purposelessness arises, purpose emerges through service to others.
The replacement of self-concept with nameless emptiness allows wholesome karma to flow naturally. Complete inner detachment enables genuine appreciation of others’ happiness without attachment or envy. While this process appears bleak during its unfolding, it represents necessary transformation.
The Path of Practice
The alchemist naturally emerges from nigredo (darkness) once direction establishes itself. Brief glimpses of transcendental experience provide perspective on thoughts, feelings, and consciousness without complete identification. This awareness naturally illuminates karmic consequences, gradually diminishing hatred, greed, and ignorance.
Without direct guidance, this process remains largely unconscious, yet persistent practice transforms despondency into wonder. Daily insights emerge through continuous contemplative mindfulness (vipassana), revealing deeper truths about reality’s nature.
Navigating Challenges
The path requires vigilance against spiritual materialism, particularly when healing abilities manifest. The temptation to embrace a “healer” or “prophet” identity represents skandha-mara (demon of aggregates) – a seductive distraction requiring clear recognition and gentle dismissal. When such fantasies arise, wisdom manifests as self-directed humor rather than self-importance.
As understanding deepens, confidence naturally grows. We recognize our position as observers rather than permanent residents in this challenging realm. The journey continues infinitely, each step revealing new depths of wisdom and compassion, while ultimate truth remains both intimately present and boundlessly vast.
The initial confusion gradually yields to clarity, not through intellectual understanding but through lived experience. In this eternal dance of awakening, we discover our true nature not in extraordinary experiences, but in the simple presence of awareness itself. The path becomes increasingly subtle yet profound, revealing itself through patient observation and persistent practice.
Keep seeking, but know that what you seek already contains you.
Further Reading
Books
- “What the Buddha Taught” by Walpola Rahula – A classic introduction to Buddhist philosophy
- “The Heart of the Buddha’s Teaching” by Thich Nhat Hanh – A comprehensive guide to core Buddhist principles
- “The Buddhist Cosmos” by Ajahn Punnadhammo – An extensive exploration of early Buddhist worldview
Online Resources
- Arrow River Forest Hermitage (arrowriver.ca)
- Ajahn Punnadhammo’s Dhamma Talks (YouTube Channel)
- Buddhist Philosophy Overview (Wikipedia)