The Stream
Aṅguttara Nikāya 50 (IV, 5)
There are four kinds of person:
- one who goes with the stream
- one who goes against the stream
- one who stands firm
- one who has reached the other shore
‘Going with the stream’ means to indulge their desires and commit bad deeds.
‘Going against the stream’ means they practice the Dharma although in difficulty, in painful struggle, sighing and with many tears.
‘Standing firm’ means one who will not return to this world but will be born where they will become enlightened easily.
‘Reaching the other shore’ means one who has become fully enlightened.