Studies in the Origins of Buddhism c19.s2.16

c19.s2.16

The hypothesis is not really necessary, for in the very nature of the situation an impulse to a more precise development of the theory of salvation is inherent. The difficulties involved in spiritual progress would not rivet attention and there would always be hope so long as Buddha himself was there to guide and help. Further, the earlier disciples, championing a new faith, would be men of spiritual boldness and daring. But the need of assuring men of the spiritual status awaiting this or that degree of effort on their part and of explaining the differences in spiritual attainments would doubtless soon arise. Thus would various stages come to be inserted between the Puthujjana and the Arahant. For reconstructing the history of the theory of the four stages prior to its being put in formula, the evidence is slight. But it can be noted how the theory is tending to become more complicated in the AN where the division into seven or nine Puggalas occurs several times.¹⁵⁰ The systematic presentation of these elaborations is to be seen in “Abhidhammic” texts like the Paṭisambhidā-mag, (which is only formally part of the Sutta Piṭaka) and the Puggala Paññatti.¹⁵¹