Level 1: Stream-enterer (Sotapanna): This is the first stage of enlightenment. At this stage, a person has directly experienced Nibbana, the unconditioned state, for the first time. This experience leads to the removal of the first three constraints or fetters:
  • Self-illusion (sakkaya-ditthi): The belief in a permanent, unchanging self.
  • Doubt (vicikiccha): Doubt in the Buddha, the Dhamma (the teachings), and the Sangha (the community of monks and nuns).
  • Clinging to rites and rituals (silabbata-paramasa): The belief that following rituals or repetitive practices leads to liberation. A stream-enterer is assured of reaching full enlightenment within seven lifetimes at most, and they will never be reborn in lower realm.
Level 2: Once-returner (Sakadagami): This is the second stage of enlightenment. The person has further weakened the next two constraints or fetters:
  • Sensual desire (kama-raga): Craving for sensual pleasures.
  • Ill will (vyapada): Hatred or aversion. A once-returner will be reborn in the human realm only once more before attaining full enlightenment.
Level 3: Non-returner (Anagami): The third stage of enlightenment. The person has completely eradicated the five lower constraints or fetters mentioned in the previous stages. A non-returner will not be reborn in the human realm again but will attain full enlightenment in a higher heavenly realm.

Level 4: Arahant: This is the final stage of enlightenment. The person has completely eradicated all ten constraints or fetters or constraints.
  • Desire for existence in the fine-material world (rupa-raga).
  • Desire for existence in the immaterial world (arupa-raga).
  • Conceit (mana).
  • Restlessness (uddhacca).
  • Ignorance (avijja). An arahant has attained full liberation from suffering and will not be reborn again. They have achieved Nibbana in this very life.​​
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