1.3.9. Sakadāgāmī
“The way of the sage is to act but not to compete.”
The journey from initial spiritual awakening to deeper realisation is marked by distinct stages of transformation. This chapter explores Sakadāgāmī, the second stage of enlightenment, where the practitioner becomes a “once-returner” — one who will achieve full enlightenment in no more than one more lifetime. We examine how the initial insights of the Sotāpanna mature into a profound commitment to the spiritual path, resulting in naturally diminished sensual desire and ill-will. Through understanding this stage, we gain insight into how spiritual realisation progressively deepens and transforms the individual’s relationship with conditioned existence.
Sakadāgāmī is the name of a being who has achieved the second stage of enlightenment in the Theravāda Buddhist tradition. This stage follows the attainment of Sotāpanna (Stream-Enterer) and arises after a deliberate choice or decision, rooted in an increasing awareness of the law of karma (cause and effect).
The Sotāpanna has awakened to three fundamental truths, which are:
- There is no enduring self or personality; instead, there is only behaviour that is conditioned and reflexive (anicca).
- Moral virtue cannot be achieved through mere actions; one must embody intrinsic goodness (sīla).
- There exists a path out of the cycle of conditionality and suffering (dukkha), which requires a leap of faith in the teachings of the Buddha (saddhā).
With the breakthrough to Sotāpanna, a new perspective emerges, often referred to as the mind’s eye or dharma eye (dhammacakkhu). This perspective is based on a single moment of mild transcendental awareness, followed by two or three moments of resultant consciousness. Although this experience occurs in a fraction of a second, it plants a seed in the mind that, even if neglected, gradually broadens moral perspective and makes spontaneous acts of hatred impossible.
It is important to note that while the term Sotāpanna is rooted in Buddhist teachings, the state it describes is an actual existential transformation. Many individuals may undergo such an awakening without fully understanding what has occurred, leading to confusion and a sense of isolation.
Although the process of enlightenment is said to culminate within seven lifetimes for a Sotāpanna, the initial years can be challenging. This transformation is akin to a metaphorical death and rebirth. The values and attachments of the unenlightened state are drastically altered, which can lead to confusion and depression. Attempts at recovery, implying a return to the previous state, are often futile, as the entire direction of the being has shifted. This vulnerability can make individuals susceptible to excessive religiosity or exploitation.
The Sotāpanna experiences an increasing divide between their former self and their emerging enlightened state. This manifests as a choice: to either return to and embrace normality or to follow their heart and delve deeper into the spiritual journey. This pivotal decision, reminiscent of the red and blue pill metaphor, leads to the next breakthrough.
Those Sotāpanna who are deeply conflicted between normality and the unknown often endure what is termed the Dark Night of the Spirit. This phase begins with the choice and culminates in the next stage, known as The Crucifixion. It is a period marked by depressive symptoms intertwined with spiritual themes.
Sakadāgāmī, meaning once-returner, signifies a being who will achieve full enlightenment in this life or, at most, one more earthly existence. The term returner refers to re-entering the plane of sensual consciousness, i.e., normal human existence. This stage represents a significant increase in spiritual resolve and commitment. Once the Sotāpanna decides that pursuing enlightenment is the paramount goal of their existence, they move toward the realisation that defines the Sakadāgāmī.
Before this commitment, the Sotāpanna still grapples with sensual desire, anger, ill-will, and delusion. While they have eliminated the first three fetters (personality, doubt, and attachment to rites and rituals), they remain bound by the others. Upon making this commitment, they become acutely aware of the unsatisfactoriness of anger and greed. Although they are still tempted, these tendencies are significantly diminished compared to their pre-commitment state.
This commitment enables them to focus entirely on overcoming the spiritual obstacles of attachment, ill-will, and delusion. Consequently, the fourth and fifth fetters — sensory desire and ill-will — are weakened, though not entirely eradicated. A genuine inner resolve to elevate one’s moral conduct facilitates this weakening.
While the commitment itself cannot guarantee enlightenment, it sets the individual on a trajectory toward realisation. This realisation often arises from a profound insight into the emptiness (suññatā), impermanence (anicca), and suffering (dukkha) inherent in conditioned reality. Such an insight validates one’s spiritual inclinations, reinvigorating and deepening their dedication to the path. In alchemical terms, this is akin to gradually turning up the heat.
The Sakadāgāmī is imbued with resolve, marking the point where the darkness of Nigredo (a term borrowed from alchemy symbolising the initial stage of transformation) begins to lighten. With growing detachment, the Sakadāgāmī becomes increasingly aware of the intricate workings of karma and naturally adopts wholesome actions. They disdain violence but may still wrestle with personal feelings of reactive ill-will and greed.
This gradual and intuitive understanding of karma trains the individual to act as a dampener of karmic consequences. They become increasingly peaceful, promoting harmony in their interactions. As the metaphorical stone lightens and transitions from Nigredo to Albedo (symbolising purification), they begin to emerge as natural healers.
This transformative journey will be further explored in the next chapter.
The journey of the Sakadāgāmī is a testament to the transformative power of spiritual commitment and insight. It is a path marked by challenges and profound realisations, where each step forward brings greater clarity and peace. As the Sakadāgāmī continues to weaken the fetters that bind them to the cycle of suffering, they inspire others through their growing wisdom and compassion. This stage of enlightenment is not merely an individual achievement but a beacon of hope, illustrating the potential for all beings to transcend the limitations of conditioned existence and move closer to ultimate liberation.
Path | Focus | Realisation |
---|---|---|
Anicca | Impermanence | Nothing stable exists |
Śūnyatā | Emptiness | No inherent self |
Dukkha | Suffering | Universal unsatisfactoriness |
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.