Stream-Entry?

[Ben_Sinner]

In Eastern Mystic religions like Buddhism, there is something called stream-entry (Sotapanna).

Basically one can attain a small form of “Enightenment” and be completely convinced that there is no self, that religion is pointless, and one never again doubts the Buddha. This isn’t just done by meditating and doing all sorts of occult activities. Many have achieved this just by listening to the “Dharma” teachings. There are stories in the Pali Canon of monks achieving this just by listening to the Buddha talk to them about the Dharma. So there is a possibility this could happen to me if I happen to listen to a Buddhist try to indoctrinate me.

As a Catholic, I’m trying to wrap my head around how this would be possible…because when they reach that state, they never again doubt it and never again go back to the way they were. They apparently are experiencing reality as how it really is (allegedly).

There is only two possibilities. 1) They are actually experiencing reality, and we are not which is why we change our minds, but they don’t anymore…or…2) They are so stuck in delusion that they can’t get back out of it.

The problem with #2 though is it sounds like that God doesn’t have the power to bring them back or convert them…It is almost like committing the unpardonable sin.

This worries because what if I happen to reach this state by overhearing a Buddhist teaching or listening to what they have to say?, etc.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sot%C4%81panna

 

[Roseeurekacross]

Please speak to your priest. We cannot help you because we are not professionals. Ben it sounds like you have scruples, and maybe anxiety.

 

[dshix]

You define “Sotapanna” as the following:
"a small form of “Enightenment … [where one is] completely convinced that there is no self, that religion is pointless, and one never again doubts the Buddha.”

This is impossible. We know it is impossible because the Holy Spirit is never incapable of touching a soul and bringing that soul closer to truth. There may well be cases where a person entered this state of “Sotapanna” and never turned back, but that doesn’t mean it is irreversible.

Therefore, if one were hypothetically to submit oneself to the intense lengthy “indoctrination” required to reach this (which would be a mortal sin if done with knowledge and consent), it would, indeed, be reversible.

This does not mean that merely listening to a Buddhist speak and try to convince you would be a sin. The sin would be where you give in submit to said teaching.

 

[office]

A very few people accidentally reach stream-entry, e.g. Eckhart Tolle.

About 400 Americans are accidentally struck by lightning each year.

So being struck by lightning is far more likely.