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KN Iti 107: Is Jhāna necessary for stream entry and arahantship?

 


Saddahānā arahataṁ, place justifiable-trust in the perfected ones, ariyapaññāya jhāyino. Jhāna meditators of noble wisdom. - The sutta literally says "jhāna-meditator" here, not "meditative". The context obviously is full enlightenment, not any "meditative" activity will get there, 4 jhānas req'd
And why is there even controversy whether jhāna is needed for stream entry and beyond? People can start by translating and interpreting suttas correctly. That helps.


My translation (based on Sujato, I fix his jhāna error)

107 - KN Iti 107 Bahu-kāra: Very Helpful

107 Bahukārasutta
Very Helpful
Vuttañhetaṁ bhagavatā vuttamarahatāti me sutaṁ:
This was said by the Buddha, the Perfected One: that is what I heard.
“Bahukārā, bhikkhave, brāhmaṇa-gahapatikā tumhākaṁ ye vo paccupaṭṭhitā
“monks, brahmins and houselholders are very helpful to you, as they provide you with
cīvara­piṇḍapāta­senāsana­gilāna­paccaya­bhesajja­parikkhāre­hi­.
robes, almsfood, lodgings, and medicines and supplies for the sick.
Tumhepi, bhikkhave, bahukārā brāhmaṇa­gaha­pa­tikā­naṁ yaṁ nesaṁ
And you are very helpful to brahmins and householders,
dhammaṁ desetha ādikalyāṇaṁ majjhekalyāṇaṁ pariyosānakalyāṇaṁ sātthaṁ sabyañjanaṁ,
as you teach them the Dhamma that’s good in the beginning, good in the middle, and good in the end, meaningful and well-phrased.
kevalaparipuṇṇaṁ parisuddhaṁ brahmacariyaṁ pakāsetha.
And you reveal a spiritual practice that’s entirely full and pure.
Evamidaṁ, bhikkhave, aññamaññaṁ nissāya brahmacariyaṁ vussati
That is how this spiritual path is lived in mutual dependence in order to
oghassa nittharaṇatthāya sammā dukkhassa antakiriyāyā”ti.
cross over the flood and make a complete end of suffering.”
Etamatthaṁ bhagavā avoca. Tatthetaṁ iti vuccati:
That is what the Buddha said. On this it is said:

(verse)

“Sāgārā anagārā ca,
“The home-dweller and the homeless,
ubho aññoññanissitā;
depending on each other,
Ārādhayanti saddhammaṁ,
find success in the true Dharma,
yogakkhemaṁ anuttaraṁ.
the supreme sanctuary.
Sāgāresu ca cīvaraṁ,
The homeless receive requisites
paccayaṁ sayanāsanaṁ;
from the home-dwellers:
Anagārā paṭicchanti,
robes and lodgings
parissayavinodanaṁ.
to shelter from harsh conditions.
Sugataṁ pana nissāya,
Relying on the Holy One,
gahaṭṭhā gharamesino;
home-loving layfolk
Saddahānā arahataṁ,
place justifiable-trust in the perfected ones,
ariyapaññāya jhāyino.
Jhāna meditators of noble wisdom.
Idha dhammaṁ caritvāna,
Having practiced the Dharma here,
maggaṁ sugatigāminaṁ;
the path that goes to a good place,
Nandino devalokasmiṁ,
they delight in the heavenly realm,
modanti kāmakāmino”ti.
enjoying all the pleasures they desire.”
Ayampi attho vutto bhagavatā, iti me sutanti.
This too was spoken by the Blessed One: that is what I heard.
Aṭṭhamaṁ.
(end of sutta)
    


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