Question

Match List - I with List - II. \[ \begin{array}{ll|ll} & List - I & & List - II A. & \text{Sotāpanna} & I. & \text{No rebirth} B. & \text{Sakadāgāmi} & II. & \text{Obtaining salvation (Nirvāṇa)} C. & \text{Anāgāmi} & III. & \text{Fixation of the mind of the practitioner in Samādhi} D. & \text{Arhat} & IV. & \text{Coming to the world (Saṃsāra) once} \end{array} \] Choose the correct answer from the options given below :

• A. A-I, B-II, C-IV, D-III
• B. A-III, B-IV, C-I, D-II
• C. A-II, B-III, C-I, D-IV
• D. A-IV, B-I, C-II, D-III

Hint:

Remember the literal meanings:
• Sakadāgāmi = Once-returner
• Anāgāmi = Non-returner
• Arhat = Fully liberated being
• Sotāpanna = Stream-enterer The names themselves often reveal the correct match.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept: In Buddhist spiritual discipline, especially in the Theravāda tradition, liberation is described through four progressive stages of enlightenment known as the Cattāri Ariyapuggalāni (Four Noble Persons). These stages indicate the gradual destruction of mental fetters (Saṃyojana) that bind beings to the cycle of rebirth (Saṃsāra). Each stage has a unique spiritual characteristic and a corresponding destiny regarding rebirth and liberation.

Step 1: Understanding Sotāpanna (Stream-enterer). The term Sotāpanna literally means “one who has entered the stream.” The “stream” refers to the Noble Eightfold Path leading toward Nirvāṇa. A Sotāpanna has removed the first three fetters:
• Belief in permanent self (Sakkāya-diṭṭhi)
• Doubt regarding Buddha, Dharma, and Saṃgha
• Attachment to rituals and ceremonies At this stage, the practitioner's mind becomes firmly stabilized toward spiritual realization. The mind no longer deviates from the path of Dharma and remains established in meditative certainty and spiritual orientation. Therefore, this stage is associated with: \[ Fixation of the mind in Samādhi \] Hence: \[ A \rightarrow III \]

Step 2: Understanding Sakadāgāmi (Once-returner). The word Sakadāgāmi means: \[ \text{Sakṛt} = \text{Once}, \qquad \text{Āgāmi} = \text{Returning} \] Thus, Sakadāgāmi means “one who returns only once.” A practitioner at this level has significantly weakened sensual desire and hatred but has not completely eliminated them. Consequently, such a being will return to the human realm only one more time before attaining higher liberation. Therefore, Sakadāgāmi corresponds to: \[ Coming to the world once \] Hence: \[ B \rightarrow IV \]

Step 3: Understanding Anāgāmi (Non-returner). The term Anāgāmi means: \[ \text{An} = \text{Not}, \qquad \text{Āgāmi} = \text{Returning} \] Thus, it signifies “one who does not return.” An Anāgāmi has completely eradicated sensual attachment and ill-will. Such a practitioner is never reborn in the ordinary human realm again. If final enlightenment is not attained immediately, rebirth occurs in the Pure Abodes (Śuddhāvāsa), where Nirvāṇa is eventually achieved. Thus, in practical terms: \[ No rebirth in worldly Saṃsāra \] Hence: \[ C \rightarrow I \]

Step 4: Understanding Arhat (Perfected One). The Arhat represents the highest stage in the Śrāvakayāna path. An Arhat has destroyed all ten fetters completely, including:
• Ignorance
• Egoism
• Craving for existence
• Pride
• Restlessness Such a being has attained complete liberation and freedom from rebirth. Therefore, the Arhat is directly associated with: \[ Obtaining salvation (Nirvāṇa) \] Hence: \[ D \rightarrow II \]

Step 5: Final Conclusion. Thus, the complete matching becomes: \[ A-III,\quad B-IV,\quad C-I,\quad D-II \] Therefore, the correct option is: \[ \boxed{(2)} \]