The Constitution of Nepal 2015 has unjustly divided the people of Nepal into Arya and Unarya categories. It is crucial to recognize the harmful implications of this division and engage in a broader discussion to understand the negative intentions reflected in the Constitution.Arya and Anarya are not defined by race, caste, or creed. They are distinguished by their ability to fulfill their duties with wisdom and virtue, working for the well-being of all humanity.
In the teachings of Buddhism, the concepts of Arya and Anarya represent two distinct spiritual states—one embodying the pinnacle of awakening and the other reflecting the common struggles of ignorance and attachment. Arya, often translated as "great" or "awakened," signifies those individuals who have transcended the cycle of suffering and attained profound insight into the true nature of existence. In contrast, Anarya, often referred to as "non-great" or "ignorant," are beings who remain trapped in the illusions of the material world yet are not condemned. Instead, Anaryas are seen as individuals at the threshold of spiritual transformation, holding the potential for awakening and liberation. This essay explores the paths of these two groups, highlighting the journey from ignorance to enlightenment in the context of Buddhist philosophy.
The Path of the Arya
The Arya’s path is deeply rooted in the Four Noble Truths, which form the cornerstone of Buddhist teachings. These truths unveil the nature of human existence and suffering, offering a roadmap for liberation.
The first truth, dukkha, acknowledges that suffering is an inseparable part of life. Suffering manifests in various forms—physical pain, emotional distress, and existential dissatisfaction. This truth invites individuals to recognize that suffering is not an anomaly but a universal experience that binds all sentient beings. Understanding this truth is the starting point for the spiritual journey, as it unveils the shared nature of human existence and the necessity for liberation.
The second truth, samudaya, identifies the root cause of suffering: attachment and desire. Human beings often crave material possessions, sensory pleasures, and emotional connections, believing that the fulfillment of these desires will bring lasting happiness. However, Buddhism teaches that these desires are fleeting and unsatisfactory, and their pursuit leads only to more suffering. Attachment creates a false sense of security in transient things, which ultimately perpetuates the cycle of dissatisfaction.
The third Noble Truth, nirvana, provides hope by offering a way out of suffering. Nirvana represents the cessation of suffering, which can be achieved by overcoming attachment and desire. It is the state of ultimate freedom, where the mind is liberated from the endless cycles of craving and dissatisfaction. Nirvana is not merely a distant ideal but a state of liberation that can be realized in this lifetime through diligent spiritual practice.
The fourth truth, the Noble Eightfold Path, outlines the steps necessary to achieve liberation. This path consists of eight aspects of ethical and mental development: right understanding, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration. By following these principles, an individual purifies their mind, speech, and actions, gradually moving closer to enlightenment and the cessation of suffering.
For the Arya, the journey is not instantaneous but unfolds through several stages of spiritual development. The first stage is that of the Sotapanna or Stream-enterer, marking the initial glimpse of truth. At this point, the individual dispels deep-seated doubts and misconceptions about life, overcoming profound ignorance. However, the journey continues, with further stages of refinement and awakening.
The next stage, Sakadagami or the Once-returner, represents significant progress. Individuals in this stage have diminished their desires and aversions, freeing themselves from many worldly temptations. They will return to the human realm only once more before achieving full enlightenment.
As the journey deepens, the Anagami or Non-returner emerges. The Anagami has eradicated all worldly attachments and is no longer burdened by cravings or aversions. Their mind has risen above the distractions of the material world, and they are reborn in a higher plane of existence, far from the suffering of earthly life.
The final stage, the Arahant, represents the pinnacle of spiritual attainment. The Arahant has completely liberated themselves from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara). All defilements have been eradicated, and their mind is fully purified, free from attachment, hatred, and ignorance. The Arahant embodies wisdom, compassion, and peace, with a consciousness that is fully aligned with the ultimate truth of the universe.
Throughout these stages, Aryas embody and practice the core Buddhist principles of wisdom (prajna), ethics (sila), and concentration (samadhi). Their wisdom allows them to see the world as it truly is, free from the distortions of ego and desire. Their ethical conduct guides them to act with compassion, kindness, and integrity, striving to reduce suffering for themselves and others. Through concentration, they cultivate a calm and focused mind, which helps them understand the nature of reality and maintain mental clarity amidst the challenges of life.
Above all, Aryas walk their path with compassion and clarity. They understand the interconnectedness of all beings and act selflessly to alleviate suffering, not because they are required to, but because they have realized that true greatness lies in the liberation of all sentient beings. Their wisdom and ethical conduct are inseparable from their compassion, as they strive not only for their own liberation but for the liberation of all.
The Realm of the Anaryas
In contrast to the Aryas, the Anaryas are individuals who have not yet awakened to the true nature of existence. The Anaryas are marked by ignorance (avidya), attachment, and unwholesome actions. They remain trapped in the cycle of craving and suffering, unable to see beyond the illusions of the material world. Their lives are dominated by desire (trishna), binding them to worldly cravings for possessions, sensory experiences, and emotional fulfillment. Their actions are driven by the three poisons—greed (raga), hatred (dvesha), and delusion (moha)—which perpetuate their suffering and prevent them from seeing life as it truly is.
Despite their ignorance, Buddhism does not view the Anaryas as condemned. Rather, the Anaryas are seen as beings at the beginning of their spiritual journey. They are viewed as individuals with the potential to transcend their ignorance and awaken to their true nature. The Anaryas' current state represents the starting point of a transformative process, where, through mindfulness, meditation, and ethical practice, they can begin the path toward liberation.
The Journey from Anarya to Arya
The journey from Anarya to Arya is a profound process of transformation. By practicing mindfulness and meditation, the Anarya begins to observe their thoughts and feelings without attachment, developing a deeper understanding of impermanence and interdependence. Through the application of the Noble Eightfold Path, the Anarya can gradually purify their mind and actions, moving away from the three poisons that bind them to suffering.
Over time, with sustained effort, the Anarya can rise above ignorance, desire, and delusion. As they cultivate wisdom, virtue, and compassion, they move closer to the ideal of the Arya. Buddhism teaches that no matter how deeply entrenched one may be in ignorance, the path to enlightenment is always within reach. Through diligent practice, even those bound by the heaviest attachments can transcend their limitations and awaken to the ultimate truth of existence.
Conclusion
The distinction between Arya and Anarya represents two key stages on the Buddhist path to enlightenment. Aryas embody the culmination of spiritual awakening, having transcended ignorance, desire, and suffering. In contrast, Anaryas, though still bound by the illusions of the material world, represent the potential for transformation. Buddhism offers a clear and practical path for all beings, regardless of where they begin, to awaken to their true nature and achieve liberation from suffering. Through the integration of wisdom, ethics, and compassion, both Aryas and Anaryas move toward the ultimate goal of peace and enlightenment, inspiring others to follow the path to freedom and transcendence.