Why Is the Fourth-Fruit Arhat Equivalent to the Eighth Bhūmi Bodhisattva in Liberation Realization?

The Arhats of the Four Fruits in the Hinayana tradition can enter Nirvana without residue. In the Mahayana tradition, beginning with the First Ground Bodhisattva, they are saints of the Third Fruit who have eradicated afflictions. Although Bodhisattvas on the Grounds can enter the correct position of liberation and attain the Fourth Fruit, if they were to attain it and then pass away, they would enter Nirvana without residue. The Buddha does not permit Bodhisattvas to attain the Fourth Fruit or enter the correct position of liberation until the completion of the Seventh Ground mind, when they attain the Fourth Fruit and enter the stage of the Eighth Ground Bodhisattva. Bodhisattvas beyond the Eighth Ground will no longer enter Nirvana without residue. Therefore, in terms of the realization of liberation, the Fourth Fruit and the Eighth Ground Bodhisattva possess equal realization of liberation. Even upon completing the First Ground mind, one must not attain the Fourth Fruit, for doing so would violate the Buddha's precepts and incur his reproach. The Buddha also safeguards Bodhisattvas from attaining the fruition of the Fourth Fruit.