The four stages of liberation in Buddhism are stream-enterer (Sotāpanna), once-returner (Sakadāgāmi), non-returner (Anāgāmi), and arahant, the fully liberated one. However, these are better understood as attainments rather than stages. There is no gradual process here—only arrival.
In contrast, the four stages of the mystical path in Western mysticism are awakening, purification, contemplation, and union. These describe genuine stages—ongoing processes—without clearly defined points of arrival.
What becomes interesting is when the two are placed side by side.
Stage one is awakening, culminating in stream-entry. The fetters removed are identity view, doubt, and clinging to rites and rituals.
Stage two is purgation, culminating in the once-returner. Sensual desire and ill-will are drastically reduced.
Stage three is illumination, culminating in the non-returner. Sensual desire and ill-will are fully destroyed.
Stage four is union, culminating in arahantship. All ten fetters are destroyed, and one is fully liberated, having attained nirvana. This is complete union with Ultimate Reality.
