"While it is important not to minimise the significance of Stream Entry, or the efforts
required
to reach it, it seems to me to be crucial to understand that Stream
Entry is more concerned with vision and understanding in the sense of
seeing through false views and false approaches rather than with actual
ethical purity, which is what one aspires to develop as one weakens and
then eradicates craving and hatred and, in this way, finally establishes
freedom (from attachment) and compassion."
This part from your link certainly rings true.
Thanks, it's a wonderful read. I remember reading in Daniel Ingram's e-book that the "maps are everywhere" across traditions. It does seem horribly messy. Personally feel that the paths are good to aim for but better not get too obsessed with. Deepen deepen and deepen.
Daniel Ingram don't agree with the scriptural fetter model. But that was before, I wonder if his position has changed now since he experienced more 'post mctb 4th path shifts'
Actually I'm quite curious about what exactly he experienced when he got nirodha samapatti since it's supposed to be only accessible to anagamis and arahants. Since his path doesn't conform to the fetter model but yet he could develop that meditation, either someone is wrong about something, or nirodha samapatti is somehow achieveable without attaining to anagami/arahant.
only Lord Buddha is able to determine what stage we are in... but now....... .. . . .
how to tell a person's achievement...? wouldn't it be more advisable if we restrain our senses, thoughts, and actions constantly every moment...? Practice morality and meditation at the same time. Avoid all kinds of evil. In this way, we would not even think about which stage we are in now... hope it's not 邪�...
The Buddha does tell us how to test someone who claims to be an arahant: http://sgforums.com/forums/1728/topics/407898