1. Yes. It is relatively rare to encounter an Ariya (Noble Person at or above the Sotapanna stage). Just think about the fact that Buddhists are a minority as far as religions are concerned. Furthermore, those who have exposure to Theravada Buddhism are a fraction of that, and most of them follow incorrect versions attributed to Buddhaghosa, etc. See the relevant posts in “Historical Background.”
- I am not aware of any living Arahants at this time. Even the number of Sotapannas could be relatively few.
- I have declared myself free of the apayas (per my understanding). It is permitted by the Buddha; see #11 of “How Does One Know whether the Sōtapanna Stage is Reached?”
2. Regarding your question: “Another question is that, I also read on access to insight website in the sutta about stream-entry that one who is sotapanna or on the way to becoming sotapanna (sotapanna anugami) don’t give gifts outside sangha is that correct?”
- No. That is not correct. It is always good to give, especially to those who are in need. Even Arahants do.
3. Regarding your question: “My another following question is that, why many people such as many from suttacentral website and dharma wheel or some other sites are of a general opinion that puredhamma site is distorting buddhist teachings?”
- I used to participate in the Dhamma Wheel forum, but I have stopped.
- I will never again seek to engage in debates with others. Those who are interested can read my website and ask questions to clarify any unclear points.
4. You wrote: “My understanding is that this earth cannot survive without the presence of arhats or ariyas so ariyas are definitely present.”
- Yes. The Buddha told Ven. Ananda, that his Buddha Sasana will disappear from the world when there are no living Noble Persons (at least Sotapannas).
- See #12 of “Four Conditions for Attaining Sōtapanna Magga/Phala.”
5. In your last post, you asked: “my another following question which could be somewhat personal is, how does one reduce the attachment to one’s own body?”
- Attachment to one’s body and anything in the external world is ultimately due to the mind-made ‘kama sanna.’
- This is a deep subject that I have discussed over the past two years.
- Recent posts are in “Satipaṭṭhāna Sutta – New Series” section. The older posts started with roughly 9/16/23 in “New / Revised Posts.”
