“Without removing the ditthi anusaya (and vicikicca anusaya, which is also related to getting to Ariya Samma Ditthi), one cannot start removing the other types of anusaya. This happens only at the Sotapanna stage” (Lal)
I have seen that the sutta’s treat sakkaya ditthi as the first (and very important) fetter to be abandoned. I belief also Patisambhidamagga does, but i am not sure about the translations.
The treatise on knowledge (from §355 and further) of the Patisambhidamagga describes the gradual path of purification. The stream-entry path cuts of 1. the [wrong] view of individuality, it is said (translation nanamoli), 2. uncertainty, 3. misapprehension of virtue and duty. It also cuts to underlying tendency to [wrong] view and uncertainty.
These are 3 of the 5 lower fetters (MN64).
I remember also other sutta’s who mention sakkaya ditthi as the first fetter. It seems like sutta’s say that sakkaya ditthi is the very important micca ditthi to end first.
These sakkaya ditthi’s are of 20 kinds. This is treated in MN44. It is not only our identification with the body but all we experience. At least that one can understand from MN44.
When the dustfree stainless dhamma-eye opens, the first three lower fetters are broken (AN3.94).
Sakkay ditthi (and the other fetters) hinder right view (AN6.89)
Our understanding of ourselves seems to be the key factor to the sotapanna stage.
i realise sotapanna stage does not mean a sotapanna does not have any conceit “I am” anymore. He/she has.
But ending sakkaya dithhi means that mind does not become really afflicted anymore due to changes. This is nicely illustrated in SN22.1.
If one is not identified with the body, feelings, perception, mental formations and conciousness, mind also does not get afflicted anymore when these experiences change, for better or worse.
Siebe