Studies in the Origins of Buddhism c19.s2.12

c19.s2.12

Stages of Spiritual Progress.—About the theory of the four spiritual stages, it may be observed that it could not have formed part of the earliest gospel. This is clear from the fact that we find in the Nikāyas an earlier non-technical use of the word “Anāgāmin”.¹⁴⁸ Further, had the theory of the Maggas and the corresponding Phalas been early we might have expected some reference to them in the Sāmaññaphala°. Finally, there is little positive evidence in favour of regarding the theory as early.