1.2.11. The Fetters that Bind

“We are travellers on a cosmic journey, stardust, swirling and dancing in the eddies and whirlpools of infinity. Life is eternal. We have stopped for a moment to encounter each other, to meet, to love, to share. This is a precious moment. It is a little parenthesis in eternity.”

The ten fetters (saṃyojana) represent the fundamental mental bonds that keep beings trapped in cycles of conditioned existence. This chapter explores how these deep-seated concepts shape our experience and their relationship to the stages of alchemical transformation. Understanding these fetters is crucial for the aspiring alchemist, as their progressive dissolution corresponds directly to the changing colours of the philosopher’s stone and the four degrees of enlightenment.

The fetters are divided into two groups of five. The first five are called the gross fetters as they relate primarily to worldly experience. The remaining five are the subtle fetters, which pertain to the inner structures of self and consciousness.

The Alchemical Stages and the Fetters

Nigredo

The first stage is Nigredo, or darkness. The initial breakthrough into stream-entry (Sotāpanna) occurs when the first three fetters are cut. This stage often includes confusion and disorientation as the process of awakening begins.

Albedo

The second stage is Albedo, or whiteness, where the practitioner purifies karma and begins mastering sensory craving and ill-will. Upon mastering the gross fetters, one reaches the stage of Anāgāmī (non-returner), liberated from sensory rebirth and fear of death.

Citrinitas

In Citrinitas (yellowing), full liberation is achieved. Here, the subtle fetters are finally dissolved, resulting in complete awakening. The Arahant perceives reality without distortion, free from all attachments.

Rubedo

Rubedo, or redness, represents the culmination of the alchemical work. The practitioner achieves profound physiological and meditative balance, radiating peace and mastery. This stage often reflects Bodhisattvic compassion, where full detachment is deferred out of compassion for others still trapped in Saṃsāra.

The Gross Fetters

The gross fetters are primarily connected to sensory existence:

• Personality view (Sakkāya-diṭṭhi): Mistaking the constructed self for a real, enduring entity.
• Ritual attachment (Sīlabbata-parāmāsa): Mistaking external observances for genuine virtue.
• Skeptical doubt (Vicikicchā): Lack of confidence in the path and its teachings.
• Sensual craving (Kāma-rāga): Attachment to sensory pleasures.
• Ill-will (Vyāpāda): Hostility, anger, resentment toward others and self.

The Subtle Fetters

We will explore these more deeply later, but briefly:

• Rūpa-rāga: Craving for future material existence.
• Arūpa-rāga: Craving for non-material existence (annihilation or dissolution).
• Māna: Conceit, or residual comparison of self with others.
• Uddhacca: Subtle restlessness and agitation of the mind.
• Avijjā: Fundamental ignorance; the deepest delusion masking reality.

Do not worry if these concepts feel unclear at this stage. This section serves as an introduction to the deeper work ahead. We are laying the groundwork for the alchemical journey of transmutation.

The Gross Fetters Table

The Four Stages of the Hinayana Vehicle

This text is excerpted from the book Nigredo: A Course in Modern Alchemy. The complete book includes additional study guides, resources, and appendices. View the full book here.