Can Enlightenment Be Given? Exposing the Myth of Bestowed Arhantship

A Deep Dive into Dhamma, Deception, and Discernment for Lay Followers

The Modern Dilemma of "Spiritual Gurus"

In recent years, a puzzling spiritual trend has emerged. All across the world especially in Buddhist communities more and more self-proclaimed Arhants, even Buddhas, are stepping into the spotlight. They speak boldly, often without referring to the Supreme Buddha's noble teachings. Instead, they share personal experiences and expect followers to accept them as truth.

This raises a vital question:

Can anyone truly give you the Four Fruits of Enlightenment including Arhantship?

As lay followers, how do we know whom to trust? Where is the line between inspiration and delusion? Let’s dive into the true meaning behind these spiritual attainments, how deception arises, and what the Supreme Buddha actually advised us to do when confronted with such confusion.

What Are the Four Fruits in Buddhism?

Understanding the Noble Four Stages

In Theravāda Buddhism, enlightenment unfolds in four stages, also known as the Four Fruits (Cattāri Phala):

Sotāpanna – Stream-Enterer
Sakadāgāmī – Once-Returner
Anāgāmī – Non-Returner
Arahant – One who has completely eradicated defilements and attained Nibbāna

Each stage involves a deeper purification of the mind, rooted in direct insight into the Four Noble Truths.

Can Anyone "Give" You These Fruits?

Enlightenment Is Not a Gift or Transferable Item

No one absolutely no one can “give” you Arhantship or any fruit of the path. These are not awards, blessings, or ranks handed out.

They are fruits of your own practice, rooted in:

Virtue (Sīla)
Meditation (Samādhi)
Wisdom (Paññā)

Even the Supreme Buddha did not “grant” Arhantship. Instead, he taught the path, and people who followed it diligently realized Nibbāna through their own effort.

The Rise of Fake Arhants and False Buddhas

Why Do People Claim Arhantship or Buddhahood Today?

In a world where fame equals power, some individuals find spiritual titles quite appealing. Claiming to be an Arhant or Buddha gives:

Authority over followers
Influence in communities
Donations and financial gain
A powerful spiritual reputation

Psychological Factors and Ego

Some are deluded, mistaking temporary meditative states as enlightenment.
Others are manipulative, knowingly lying for gain.
A few may even believe their hallucinations are spiritual visions.

What Did the Supreme Buddha Say About This?

Trust the Dhamma, Not the Personality

The Supreme Buddha was very clear: after his Parinibbāna, the Dhamma and Vinaya (the teachings and discipline) should be your teacher.

"Dhamma-vinayo nāma satthā" — 'The Dhamma and the Vinaya shall be your teacher.'
— Mahāparinibbāna Sutta (DN 16)

This means don’t place your refuge in people no matter how convincing or charismatic they appear.

The Danger of Personal Authority

He warned about teachers who would mix their own ideas with the Dhamma. If someone teaches personal “revelations” and does not cite the Suttas or Vinaya, be cautious. The Supreme Buddha said:

“Whatever teachings are not in line with the Noble Eightfold Path, abandon them.”

The Role of Lay Devotees in Today’s World

So, What Should We Do as Followers?

Go for refuge in the Triple Gem:
- The Supreme Buddha
- The Dhamma (Pure Teachings)
- The Sangha (Community of noble ones)
Don’t follow individuals blindly.
- Even if someone claims they’re an Arhant, don’t rely on titles.
Examine the Dhamma they speak.
- Does it match the teachings in the Tripitaka?
Ask questions, don’t argue.
- Inquiry is encouraged, but pointless debate causes confusion.
Verify from original sources.
- With online access today, you can instantly read suttas for clarity.

Understanding the Real Purpose of Hearing Dhamma

Hearing Dhamma Is for Practice, Not Debate

Many people hear Dhamma to argue, debate, or prove others wrong. But the real purpose is transformation.

You listen to Dhamma:

To understand reality
To develop Right View
To improve virtue and mindfulness
To progress toward Nibbāna

The Dhamma is not entertainment. It's a mirror, not a weapon.

Can Teachers Be Enlightened? Yes, But...

Don't Obsess Over Their Spiritual Status

There are examples in Buddhist history where students became Arhants before their teachers. So just because someone teaches Dhamma doesn’t mean they are fully enlightened. What matters is whether the teachings are aligned with the Noble Path.

Dangers of Worshipping Individuals

Mistaking Personality for Purity

Often, people get attracted to charisma rather than content. They may follow someone because:

“He speaks so sweetly.”
“She performs miracles.”
“He looks so peaceful.”
“She said I have good karma.”

This is dangerous. Even Māra can disguise himself as a monk. Always test the Dhamma against the Tripitaka and Vinaya.

The Noble Sangha is Not Limited to the Present Day

Sangha Means All Noble Ones, Not Just Living Monks

When we say “Sangha,” we don’t mean only the monks you see today. It includes all noble disciples from Arahant Mahā Kaccāna, Sāriputta, Mahā Moggallāna, to anyone practicing today with right view.

Never restrict your respect to living personalities. The Supreme Buddha's Sangha includes all time, past and present.

How to Recognize Genuine Dhamma

Three Simple Criteria

Does it align with the Four Noble Truths?
Does it lead to dispassion and letting go?
Is it confirmed in the Suttas and Vinaya?

If yes, then it is pure Dhamma. Follow it regardless of who teaches it.

The Importance of Wisdom and Discernment

Don’t Be Gullible. Be Wise.

Blind faith leads to disappointment. Be a smart devotee:

Learn the Suttas (start with Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta)
Practice mindfulness and sila
Listen respectfully, but test everything

The Supreme Buddha praised intelligent inquiry. Don’t assume. Confirm.

Your Spiritual Path Is Your Own

No One Can Walk It For You

Just as no one can eat food for your hunger, no one can practice for your liberation. The fruits of the path Sotāpanna to Arahant come only from your effort.

So listen, learn, question, and most importantly practice.

Conclusion: Be a Refuge Unto Yourself

To resolve the modern confusion around fake Arhants and false teachers, we must return to the original guidance:

Refuge only in the Triple Gem.

Respect monks, but don’t idolize them.
Verify Dhamma, don’t argue.
Practice sincerely, don’t gossip.
Protect your mind, not others’ status.
Follow the path, not the person.

This is the way to safeguard your spiritual journey by making the Supreme Buddha, the Noble Dhamma, and the Sangha of Noble Ones your guide.

FAQs

1. Can a layperson become an Arhant?

Yes. The Tripitaka records several lay disciples who attained Arhantship. However, after Arhantship, one usually ordains or passes away.

2. How can I know if a monk is enlightened?

You can’t know for sure. But you can judge whether what they teach matches the Supreme Buddha’s Dhamma.

3. Is it wrong to respect teachers who claim to be Arhants?

Not wrong to respect, but don’t believe blindly. Focus on verifying the Dhamma they share.

4. How do I start learning true Dhamma?

Begin with reading basic Suttas like Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta, Anattalakkhana Sutta, and Satipatthana Sutta.

5. What if my family follows a fake teacher?

Be compassionate and wise. Share Suttas gently and don’t argue. Let Dhamma speak for itself.

Namo Buddhaya!

Can Enlightenment Be Given? Exposing the Myth of Bestowed Arhantship | Calm Mind