The Gap Between the Eradication of Self-View and the Eradication of Self-Attachment

The distance between the initial fruit of severing the view of self (Sotāpanna) and the fourth fruit of severing the attachment to self (Arhat) is exceedingly vast. The reason why one cannot sever the attachment to self immediately after severing the view of self is that the realization of the principle of non-self attained at the initial fruit remains shallow in degree and narrow in scope. This prevents the manas (intellect) from abruptly severing the attachment to self. After attaining the initial fruit, one must continuously contemplate and investigate the principle of the non-self nature of the five aggregates (form, feeling, perception, mental formations, and consciousness). As this contemplation deepens progressively, the degree of realization of non-self becomes increasingly profound. When the first dhyāna (meditative absorption) arises and afflictions are eliminated, the attachment to self will gradually diminish, and clinging will become increasingly subtle, enabling one to swiftly exhaust the attachment to self.

If accompanied by the attainment of the four dhyānas, then upon severing the view of self, one can simultaneously and abruptly sever the attachment to self. This is because dhyāna has the power to subdue all afflictions, rendering the clinging to the body subtle. Only the wisdom that negates the five aggregates as "self" is lacking. Once one possesses the wisdom of the non-self nature of the five aggregates, the attachment to self can be completely severed, and one becomes a fourth-fruit Arhat. This was the case with the non-Buddhist practitioners during the Buddha's time. If one thoroughly severs the view of self, it is equivalent to severing the attachment to self.