History and Doctrines of the Ajivikas: A Vanished Indian Religion c23.s1.63

c23.s1.63

It is doubtful whether Buddhaghosa’s interpretation of the eight stages of man is wholly correct, especially as it disregards the stage of the householder, and applies therefore only to those ascetics who abandon their homes in their youth, unless the layman is looked upon as never passing the stage of *sekha-bhūmi*. Another surprising feature of the list is the inclusion of a stage above that of *jina*, which does not here seem to connote the same degree of spiritual excellence as elsewhere. It is possible that Buddhaghosa has reversed the order of the seventh and eighth stages; but it will be remembered that other sources speak of the silence of Makkhali,¹ and the final stage of human development may have been introduced in order to establish his superiority over other leaders of the sect.