[Xxedxevh]

like ananda he was sotapanna

there is one sutta that asserts ananda was sotapanna but when appraising the vast majority of ananda's episodes in the suttas it appears doubtful his mind was sotapanna

the process of ripening (becoming ready) is gradual but the experience leading to enlightenment is sudden.

sotapanna is enlightenment and yes it is sudden. the moment the mind can genuinely let go, stream entry happens

but after it happens, we do not want to then run around advertising "i am enlightened" because "i am" is the contrary to enlightenment