"Bhikkhus, a noble disciple who is endowed with four qualities becomes a stream-enterer, not liable to states of suffering, and destined for enlightenment (Nibbāna).

Which four qualities?

  1. Here, bhikkhus, a noble disciple is endowed with experiential confidence in the Buddha, acknowledging: ‘Indeed, the Blessed One is the Worthy One, perfectly enlightened, accomplished in true knowledge and conduct, fortunate, knower of the world, unsurpassed leader of persons to be tamed, teacher of gods and humans, enlightened, blessed.’
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  2. He is endowed with experiential confidence in the teachings of the Buddha, acknowledging: ‘Indeed, the Dhamma is well proclaimed by the Blessed One, directly visible, immediate, inviting verification, leading onward, to be personally experienced by the wise.’
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  3. He is endowed with experiential confidence in the Sangha, acknowledging: ‘Indeed, the Sangha of the Blessed One’s disciples is practicing the good way, practicing the upright way, practicing the knowledgeable way, practicing the proper way; these are the four pairs of persons, the eight types of individuals - this Sangha of the Blessed One’s disciples is worthy of gifts, worthy of hospitality, worthy of offerings, worthy of reverential salutation, the unsurpassed field of merit for the world.’
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  4. He is endowed with beloved noble virtues, unbroken, unblemished, unspotted, untarnished, leading to concentration.

With these four qualities, bhikkhus, a noble disciple becomes a stream-enterer, not liable to states of suffering, and destined for enlightenment."

This was said by the Blessed One. Having said this, the Well-Gone teacher then said this:

“Those who have faith and virtue, confidence and understanding of the teachings; they, in time, find happiness, immersed in the spiritual path.”

The experiential confidence referred to in this teaching is cultivated gradually as one learns the teachings with close examination to reflect on and then applies them to verify it independently, observing for improvements to the condition of the mind and in one’s personal/professional relationships.

Related Teachings:

Fruition of Stream Entry (DhP 178)

Cultivating faith to awaken to the truth (SN 55.55) ↗️

Canki Sutta: Preservation of truth, awakening to truth and arrival at truth (MN 95)