Overview
These are the five mental chains that bind beings specifically to the sensual realm (kāma-loka), ensuring rebirth in the human or lower worlds. The Stream-enterer breaks the first three. The Once-returner weakens the remaining two. The Non-returner (Anāgāmī) shatters all five completely.
The List
- Sakkāyadiṭṭhi - Identity View: The deeply held wrong view that one of the five aggregates is a permanent “self,” “soul,” or “I”. (Eradicated at Stream-entry).
- Vicikicchā - Doubt: Skeptical indecision regarding the Buddha, Dhamma, Saṅgha, and the law of kamma. (Eradicated at Stream-entry).
- Sīlabbataparāmāsa - Clinging to Rules and Rituals: The belief that mere outward observances, bathing in sacred rivers, or ascetic practices alone can purify the mind. (Eradicated at Stream-entry).
- Kāmacchanda - Sensual Desire: The craving for physical pleasures of the five senses. (Completely eradicated at Non-returning).
- Byāpāda - Ill-will: All forms of anger, resentment, and hatred. (Completely eradicated at Non-returning).
Textual References
- Canonical: Mahāmālukya Sutta (MN 64) – The Buddha details how an infant has these fetters lying latent, and explains the path to systematically uprooting them.