Overview
When taking refuge in the Saṅgha, one is not taking refuge in ordinary, unenlightened monks, but specifically in the “Noble Saṅgha” (Ariyasaṅgha). The Buddha defined this supreme community as consisting of eight specific types of individuals, divided into four pairs based on whether they are experiencing the active Path-moment (magga) or the resulting Fruit-moment (phala).
The List
- Sotāpattimaggaṭṭha - The one practicing for the realization of the Fruit of Stream-Entry: The individual in the exact mind-moment of the first path.
- Sotāpanna - The Stream-Enterer (Fruit): The individual who has realized the fruit, permanently cutting the first three fetters.
- Sakadāgāmimaggaṭṭha - The one practicing for the realization of the Fruit of Once-Returning: The individual in the exact mind-moment of the second path.
- Sakadāgāmī - The Once-Returner (Fruit): The individual who has realized the fruit, heavily weakening lust and hatred.
- Anāgāmimaggaṭṭha - The one practicing for the realization of the Fruit of Non-Returning: The individual in the exact mind-moment of the third path.
- Anāgāmī - The Non-Returner (Fruit): The individual who has realized the fruit, permanently destroying all sensual lust and anger.
- Arahattamaggaṭṭha - The one practicing for the realization of the Fruit of Arahatship: The individual in the exact mind-moment of the fourth path.
- Arahat - The Fully Awakened One (Fruit): The individual who has permanently destroyed all defilements.
Textual References
- Canonical: Dhajagga Sutta (SN 11.3) – The standard recollection of the Saṅgha formula mentions “the four pairs, the eight individuals.”