Significance of Anagamin
Anagamin, in Buddhist teachings, refers to a significant stage of enlightenment where an individual achieves the status of a 'non-returner.' This person will not return to the earthly realm after death and has largely abandoned worldly desires, thus progressing towards liberation. Different interpretations exist across South Asia's Mahayana and Theravada traditions, depicting Anagamin as a practitioner who has transcended much of the cycle of rebirth and is destined for rebirth in pure abodes, ultimately moving towards nirvana.
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Buddhist concept of 'Anagamin'
Anagamin in Buddhism represents a stage of enlightenment where individuals, known as ‘non-returners’, have transcended earthly desires and cycle of rebirths, destined for higher realms without returning to the human realm after death.
From: The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) A non-returner who has transcended the earthly realm and will no longer return to it in any future existence.[1] (2) A state of enlightenment achieved by Citta, indicating he will never return to the cycle of rebirth as a result of his past good deeds.[2] (3) A stage of spiritual attainment in Buddhism, referring to a person who is not bound to the cycle of rebirth; used here to describe Yasorata.[3] (4) A higher stage of spiritual attainment reached by King Suddhodana, indicating progress in overcoming worldly attachment.[4] (5) A stage of enlightenment that leads to non-returning to the cycle of birth and rebirth.[5]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Anagamins are beings who have attained a certain level of spiritual realization and are destined for rebirth in the pure abodes.[6] (2) Individuals who have achieved a state of spiritual attainment where they do not return to the cycle of birth and death.[7] (3) Describes an individual who will not return to this world after their current life.[8] (4) Anagamin are beings who have transcended the cycle of rebirth in the realm of desire, but have yet to attain nirvana, particularly emphasized in the context of the form realm and formless realm.[9] (5) Anagamin refers to a stage of enlightenment representing a ‘once-returner’ who will not return to the earthly realm after this life.[10]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) The third category of individuals who do not return to worldly life after death, embodying selflessness and purity in their practice.[11]
The concept of 'Anagamin' in local and regional sources
Anagamin denotes a significant stage of enlightenment achieved by a Bhikshu, related to profound transformation, symbolized by the extreme act of self-sacrifice, reflecting deep spiritual commitment and advanced detachment from worldly ties.
From: The travels of Fa-Hian (400 A.D.)
(1) The condition or stage of enlightenment reached by the Bhikshu after he had half completed the act of cutting his throat.[12]