Seo Jeong-jin’s Path to Stream Entry

On November 4, 2024, Seo Jeong-jin became a stream enterer (sotāpanna). He first connected with me via the Internet on June 13, 2024, and began practicing. For about six weeks, he noticed thoughts, feelings, sensations, and the Three Poisons (lust, hatred, and delusion) all day. He also observed the five precepts during these six weeks.

Then, he signed up for the practice interview with me at the end of July. While I was in Korea, he visited me twice and practiced at the Dhamma Arama, Jeju, for several days. In early November 2024, he began to experience the rapid rise and fall of the Three Poisons and Deep Samadhi. Of course, he also practiced other enlightenment factors (mindfulness, energy, rapture, and tranquility). Then, on November 4, 2024, the equanimity factor of enlightenment arose, and we recognized his stream entry in NBEF. Equanimity alone is not the canonical criterion: the suttas describe stream entry as the ending of identity view, doubt, and attachment to rites and observances. He attained the stream entry in 20 weeks, the shortest period among those who practiced with me.

I wondered why he, who had not practiced or studied Buddhism much before, achieved the stream entry so quickly. What was different about him from other practitioners was that he consistently and diligently noticed and recorded his thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and the Three Poisons all day, every day for about six weeks, and his sincere and steady attitude stood out. In addition to the insight practice, he started sitting meditation at the end of July. After 2 weeks of sitting meditation, he entered the first Jhana, and after a few days of meditation in Jeju, he entered the fourth Jhana. It may have been helpful that he practiced insight first for six weeks prior.

Those aspiring to join the Level 1 class in January 2025 should start observing the five precepts and practicing mindfulness now. Next year, this will greatly benefit your Jhana practice, a state of deep concentration and tranquility.