I believe the metaphor is that that you’ve stepped into a stream that will now carry you forward toward the ocean (enlightenment). Whereas before you had to actively practice in order to make meditative progress, now you’ve hit a point where the stream will continue carrying you forward even if you put in no effort of your own.
It comes from the Pāli sutras. “Stream entry” is the standard English translation of the Pāli sotāpatti.
Stream entry is the first and most important stage of awakening. Most of your suffering falls away. It also functions like levelling up. You’ve made permanent progress that won’t backtrack.
Why do they call it ‘stream entry’? Also, what is stream entry?
I believe the metaphor is that that you’ve stepped into a stream that will now carry you forward toward the ocean (enlightenment). Whereas before you had to actively practice in order to make meditative progress, now you’ve hit a point where the stream will continue carrying you forward even if you put in no effort of your own.
This is true. After stream entry, you’re on the train and you’re not getting off; you’re going to have more insight cycles.
It comes from the Pāli sutras. “Stream entry” is the standard English translation of the Pāli sotāpatti.
Stream entry is the first and most important stage of awakening. Most of your suffering falls away. It also functions like levelling up. You’ve made permanent progress that won’t backtrack.