Linked Discourses on Stream-Entry

Even a universal monarch may have a bad rebirth, but someone who has the four factors of stream-entry—experiential faith in the Buddha, the teaching, and the Saṅgha, and ethical conduct—is freed from such destinies.

Someone who has the four factors of stream-entry—experiential faith in the Buddha, the teaching, and the Saṅgha, and ethical conduct—is a stream-enterer, destined for awakening.

The lay follower Dīghāvu is ill and he asks for the Buddha to visit. Dīghāvu confirms that he possesses the four factors of stream-entry and in addition six contemplations leading to insight. Yet he is still worried that his father will miss him when he dies.

Sāriputta explains to Ānanda that someone who has the four factors of stream-entry—experiential faith in the Buddha, the teaching, and the Saṅgha, and ethical conduct—is a stream-enterer, destined for awakening.

The Buddha asks Sāriputta about the four factors for stream-entry: association with good people, hearing the teaching, proper attention, and right practice. He also defines the “stream” and the “stream-enterer”.

After the rainy season, the chamberlains Isidatta and Purāṇa hear that the Buddha is approaching and go to see him. They describe their joy at knowing when the Buddha is approaching, and speak of their special duties guarding the royal harem. The Buddha says they have four factors of stream-entry—experiential faith in the Buddha, the teaching, and the Saṅgha; and here generosity rather than ethics as the final factor.

The brahmin householders of Bamboo Gate ask the Buddha how to live well in the home. The Buddha teaches them seven principles they can apply to themselves, which are practical applications of the Golden Rule. Someone with these seven principles and the four factors of stream-entry is a stream-enterer.

Ānanda asks the Buddha about the rebirths of several disciples. The Buddha confirms those details, and proposes a way for people to know for themselves by reflecting on the four factors of stream-entry.

Ānanda asks the Buddha about the rebirths of several disciples. The Buddha confirms those details, and proposes a way for people to know for themselves by reflecting on the four factors of stream-entry.

Ānanda asks the Buddha about the rebirths of several disciples. The Buddha confirms those details, and proposes a way for people to know for themselves by reflecting on the four factors of stream-entry.

The Buddha teaches a thousand nuns the four factors of stream-entry.

The Buddha contrasts a foolish brahmanical ritual called “going upwards” with the four factors of stream-entry.

Sāriputta asks Ānanda how many things are given up and how many things possessed by the stream-enterer.

A noble disciple has transcended fears of a bad rebirth.

A noble disciple has transcended fears of a bad rebirth.

You should encourage your friends in the four factors of stream-entry.

You should encourage your friends in the four factors of stream-entry.

Moggallāna visits the gods of the Thirty-Three and encourages them in the four factors of stream-entry.

Moggallāna visits the gods of the Thirty-Three and encourages them in the four factors of stream-entry.

The Buddha visits the gods of the Thirty-Three and encourages them in the four factors of stream-entry.

Mahānāma the Sakyan expresses his fear that if he dies unmindful he may go to a bad rebirth. The Buddha tells him not to fear, as he will definitely go to a good place, since he has long practiced the Dhamma.

Mahānāma the Sakyan expresses his fear that if he dies unmindful he may go to a bad rebirth. The Buddha tells him not to fear, as he will definitely go to a good place, since he has the four factors of stream-entry.

Mahānāma and Godhā the Sakyans discuss whether a stream-enterer has three or four factors. They go to the Buddha to settle it, and Mahānāma testifies to his faith.

When Sarakāni the Sakyan died the Buddha declared him a stream-enterer. But others complained, since he was known as a drinker. However, the Buddha confirmed to Mahānāma that Sarakāni had undertaken the precepts on his deathbed.

When Sarakāni the Sakyan died the Buddha declared him a stream-enterer. But others complained, since he was known as a drinker. However, the Buddha confirmed to Mahānāma that Sarakāni had undertaken the precepts on his deathbed.

When the householder Anāthapiṇḍika was sick, Sāriputta reminds him of his considerable accomplishments in the Dhamma, analyzing stream-entry in ten factors, at which Anāthapiṇḍika recovers. Later he invited Sāriputta and Ānanda for a meal, and Sāriputta thanked him with verses.

When the householder Anāthapiṇḍika was sick, Ānanda reminds him of the four factors of stream-entry, which Anāthapiṇḍika claims to possess.

A noble disciple who is a layperson has eliminated the fear that comes from breaking precepts, possesses the four factors of stream-entry, and understands dependent origination.

A noble disciple who is a layperson has eliminated the fear that comes from breaking precepts, possesses the four factors of stream-entry, and understands dependent origination.

The Buddha teaches the four factors of stream-entry to Nandaka, the minister of the Licchavis. When his servant tells him it is time for his ritual bath, he says that the inner bathing of the Dhamma is enough.

The four factors of stream-entry—with ethics as the fourth—are streams of merit.

The four factors of stream-entry—with generosity as the fourth—are streams of merit.

The four factors of stream-entry—with wisdom as the fourth—are streams of merit.

The four factors of stream-entry are footprints of the gods.

The four factors of stream-entry are footprints of the gods, for the gods hold non-violence as supreme.

When a person possesses the four factors of stream-entry, the gods regard them as similar to themselves.

The Buddha explains to Mahānāma what is a lay follower, what is a virtuous lay follower, and a lay follower accomplished in faith, generosity, and wisdom.

Like rain falling on the mountain top, the four factors of stream-entry flow on to the ending of defilements.

Kāḷigodhā the Sakyan lady confirms to the Buddha that she possesses the four factors of stream-entry.

Someone who completely lacks the four factors of stream-entry is an ordinary person. But even a stream-enterer may be negligent if they do not make further effort in meditation.

The four factors of stream-entry—with ethics as the fourth—are streams of merit, and like the ocean cannot be counted. With verses.

The four factors of stream-entry—with generosity as the fourth—are streams of merit, and like the ocean cannot be counted. With verses.

The four factors of stream-entry—with wisdom as the fourth—are streams of merit, and like the ocean cannot be counted. With verses.

A noble disciple with the four factors of stream-entry is said to be prosperous.

A noble disciple with the four factors of stream-entry is said to be prosperous.

A noble disciple with the four factors of stream-entry is a stream-enterer.

A noble disciple with the four factors of stream-entry is a stream-enterer.

A noble disciple with the four factors of stream-entry is a stream-enterer.

A noble disciple with the four factors of stream-entry is a stream-enterer.

Four factors for stream-entry: association with good people, hearing the teaching, proper attention, and right practice.

A noble disciple with the four factors of stream-entry is a stream-enterer. With verses.

When a monk comes from Sāvatthī to Kapilavatthu, the Sakyans visit him and ask as to the health of the Buddha and the Saṅgha. Then they ask what the monk has learned. He replies that the number of perfected ones is few, and those on lower levels of attainment are greater in number.

The lay follower Dhammadinna leads a group of 500 to visit the Buddha. He encourages them to study deep discourses, but they protest that they don’t have enough time. So the Buddha encourages them in the four factors of stream-entry.

Mahānāma asks the Buddha how a lay follower should teach a wise lay follower who is ill. He should first be encouraged in the four factors of stream-entry, and then urged to let go of attachments, until he realizes full freedom.

Association with good people, hearing the teaching, proper attention, and right practice lead to the fruit of stream-entry.