The realization of Sakadagami (once-returner), the second stage of enlightenment, primarily brings resolve and spiritual direction. Despite this profound insight, it took many years for thoughts and feelings to comfortably settle on the fundamental truth that the self is entirely conceptual.
The Unconventional Path
My path diverged from the conventional Buddhist approach, yet this deviation proved advantageous. As a solitary dharma student, one can explore its meaning without corruption from even well-meaning but still deluded ‘superiors.’ Within religious institutions, community merit often arises through simple persistence, leading many to become deeply familiar with dharma teachings while lacking essential breakthroughs.
During this period, my studies were largely mystical, blending gnostic and Eastern philosophies. Only as I approached Anagami (non-returner) did my focus fully settle on Buddhist scriptures.
The Role of Meditation
Traditional Approach vs. Western Experience
The ‘ideal’ path emphasizes discipline and samatha (tranquility) meditation until developing insight faculties. However, the Western intellect often finds tranquility meditation challenging, with vipassana (insight meditation) typically establishing itself before the practitioner discovers the need and resolve for tranquility practice.
Practical Considerations
Samatha meditation, while beneficial, isn’t mandatory. Those struggling with sitting meditation but experiencing overthinking (sometimes manifesting as ‘mental illness’) needn’t be overly concerned. The primary advantage of tranquility meditation is its provision of a ‘shelter’ – a space for peace and jhanic bliss amidst life’s stresses, where deeper insights may emerge.
The Path of Insight
The transformative power lies in insights arising through constant examination of subjective reality – a process many modern seekers already experience, albeit sometimes troublingly.
Working with the Overthinking Mind
- Recognize overthinking as potential vipassana
- Learn to direct this mental energy toward quality spiritual content
- Shift attention from fantastic to practical aspects of your chosen system
The Role of Writing
Writing serves as a ‘completion activity,’ helping summarize understanding of old paradigms. This process allows one to ‘put to bed’ old concepts of self, facilitating movement toward new experiential territories.
The Transformation of Self
The fundamental realization that ‘there cannot be a self’ gradually detoxifies subjective reality. The mind becomes less inclined toward egoistic defenses, and one naturally withdraws from self-defensive arguments. Unlike the often painful confusion of sotapanna (stream-entry), sakadagami brings greater focus and detachment from conditioned existence’s disappointments. This shift remains subtle – one participates in life but with increasing aloofness and diminishing conceit.
Navigating Spiritual Pitfalls
The Challenge of Skandha Demons
As self-sense decreases, one might grasp at grandiose or fantastical identity concepts. These ‘skandha demons’ become particularly challenging during jhanic experiences, which can be misinterpreted as divine messages or beings. Rather than actual entities, these represent self-fragments seeking refuge in otherworldly concepts.
Maintaining Balance
While temporarily identifying with such experiences might be unavoidable and relatively harmless, these delusions can seed cult formation. Maintaining a sober, cautious attitude and actively dismissing arising ideas becomes crucial. The worst outcome might be psychiatric institutionalization; the best is merely feeling slightly foolish.
Integration and Progress
The journey beyond self-concept brings both liberation and challenges. As one progresses through enlightenment stages, self-identity dissolution becomes more pronounced yet more natural. Success lies in maintaining awareness while avoiding spiritual materialism and the temptation toward sophisticated new forms of self-identification. Through continued practice and vigilance, the path unfolds naturally, leading toward ever-greater freedom from self-conception’s bonds.
Further Reading
- Wikipedia: “Four stages of enlightenment” (wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_stages_of_enlightenment)
- Wikipedia: “Sakadagami” (wikipedia.org/wiki/Sakadagami)
- Ajahn Punnadhammo’s YouTube Channel: “Arrow River Forest Hermitage” (youtube.com/@ArrowRiverForestHermitage)
Recommended Books:
- “Manual of Insight” by Mahasi Sayadaw
- “The Progress of Insight” by Mahasi Sayadaw
- “The Path of Serenity and Insight” by Henepola Gunaratana