[imictiorume]

Is (the first) jhana (the beginning of) stream entry?

My opinion is this cannot be so because the "stream" must calm & purify the body first.

In the Anapanasati Sutta, the Buddha used the words: "He/she trains herself/himself" starting from the 3rd step.

The 3rd step pertains exclusively to the breath/body, where as jhana pertains to the 5th, 6th, 7th & 8th step.

The words: "She trains herself" means the mind is established in the three trainings of wisdom, morality & concentration.

As right wisdom is established, understanding how to apply the Four Noble Truths, this is stream entry.

Regards



Once the Buddha was sitting under a tree on the bank of the river Ganges near the city of Kosambi. Five hundred bhikkhus accompanied him. The Lord Buddha saw a very big log being carried down the river by the current.

He pointed to the log and said, "Oh Bhikkhus, do you see that big log which is being carried along by the current of the river?"

The Bhikkhus replied, Yes Venerable Sir, we see it."

The Lord Buddha continued,

If that log is not caught on the near bank, it will reach the ocean.
If it is not caught on the far bank, it will reach the ocean.
If it is not submerged under the water, it will reach the ocean.
If it does not land on a small island in the middle of the river, it will reach the ocean.
If it is not taken away by a human being, it will reach the ocean.
If it is not taken away by a deity, it will reach the ocean.
If it does not sink into a whirlpool, it will reach the ocean.
If it does not become rotten, it will reach the ocean.

http://www.thisismyanmar.com/nibbana....htm#discourse