Significance of Shrotapanna

Shrotapanna, viewed through various Buddhist traditions, signifies the first stage of enlightenment. In South Asia, it is recognized as the initial realization achieved by Bhikshus, while Tibetan Buddhism classifies it as a level of spiritual attainment known as 'joining the stream' towards enlightenment. Mahayana Buddhism also emphasizes this concept, identifying Shrotapanna as the first degree of insight, marking individuals who have gained a glimpse of the ultimate truth and are assured a path free from rebirth in lower realms.

Synonyms: Sotapanna, Stream-enterer, Stream-winner

In Finnish: Shrotapanna; In Spanish: Shrotapanna; In Dutch: Schrotapanna

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Shrotapanna'

Buddhism Books

Shrotapanna in Buddhism signifies the first stage of enlightenment, known as 'stream-enterer,' where individuals gain initial insight into reality, ensuring they won't be reborn in lower realms and marking their path toward deeper enlightenment.

Significance in Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):
Mahayana Books

From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra

(1) This is a term for an individual who has achieved a specific stage of spiritual attainment, arriving after 80,000 kalpas, in the context of the teachings.[1] (2) The first stage of enlightenment, signifying one who has gained initial insight into the nature of reality and will not be reborn in the lower realms.[2] (3) A stage of stream-entry in Buddhist teachings, representing a person who has begun the path to enlightenment.[3] (4) The first stage of enlightenment in Buddhism, representing those who have gained a glimpse of the ultimate truth.[4] (5) A level of spiritual attainment referring to those who have entered the stream of enlightenment and are free from certain defilements.[5]

From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

(1) A certain individual who has attained a stage of enlightenment, specifically having taken rebirth.[6]

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.

Significance in Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism):
Tibetan Buddhism Books

From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]

(1) The first of the four classes of Shramanas, referring to those who have 'joined the stream' towards enlightenment.[7]

From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)

(1) A degree or level of realization in Buddhist practice, often associated with teachings from revered masters of the past.[8]

Tibetan Buddhism includes schools such as Nyingma, Kadampa, Kagyu and Gelug. Their primary canon of literature is divided in two broad categories: The Kangyur, which consists of Buddha’s words, and the Tengyur, which includes commentaries from various sources. Esotericism and tantra techniques (vajrayana) are collected indepently.

The concept of Shrotapanna in local and regional sources

History Books

Shrotapanna represents the initial stage of enlightenment attained by a Bhikshu, signifying a profound spiritual awakening following a significant sacrifice, emphasizing its pivotal role in Buddhist spiritual progress.

Significance in South Asia:
South Asia Books

From: The travels of Fa-Hian (400 A.D.)

(1) The first degree of enlightenment achieved by the Bhikshu after the first gash of his throat.[9]