Grammatical Analysis

Saṃyojana: [nt.] fetter; bond; tie. Formed by prefix saṃ (together) + root yuj (to bind, yoke, join). Literally means “that which binds together,” tying beings tightly to the cycle of rebirth.

Orthodox Definition

The Saṃyojanas are the ten fetters that systematically bind sentient beings to saṃsāra. The entire structure of the four stages of enlightenment is defined exclusively by the progressive snapping of these exact ten bonds.

They are divided into two structural groups: The Five Lower Fetters (Orambhāgiya-saṃyojana - binding one to the sensuous world):

  1. Identity view (sakkāya-diṭṭhi) - Snapped at Stream-entry.
  2. Skeptical doubt (vicikicchā) - Snapped at Stream-entry.
  3. Clinging to rites and rituals (sīlabbata-parāmāsa) - Snapped at Stream-entry.
  4. Sensual desire (kāmarāga) - Snapped at Non-return.
  5. Ill-will/Aversion (paṭigha) - Snapped at Non-return.

The Five Higher Fetters (Uddhambhāgiya-saṃyojana - binding one to the fine-material and immaterial worlds):

  1. Craving for fine-material existence (rūparāga) - Snapped at Arahatship.
  2. Craving for immaterial existence (arūparāga) - Snapped at Arahatship.
  3. Conceit (māna) - Snapped at Arahatship.
  4. Restlessness (uddhacca) - Snapped at Arahatship.
  5. Ignorance (avijjā) - Snapped at Arahatship.

Textual References

  • Sutta: Orambhāgiya Sutta (AN 5.61) – The Buddha detailing the fetters that drag beings down and the path to cut them.
  • Abhidhamma: Dhammasaṅgaṇī (Saṃyojana-gocchaka division).
  • Commentary: Visuddhimagga (Chapter XXII) – The absolute taxonomy of fetter destruction via path consciousness.

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