“There are nine degrees of cognitive delusions, which manifest themselves on nine separate grounds. The nine degrees are simply the higher superior, the higher intermediate, and the higher inferior; the middle superior, the middle intermediate, and the middle inferior; the lower superior, the lower intermediate, and the lower inferior.

The Nine Grounds are the Five Destinies [six paths of rebirth minus asuras], which comprise the first ground, the Four Dhyānas, and the Four Formless Samadhis.…Upon eliminating the first six degrees of the first ground, one becomes a second stage Arhat (Skt. sakṛdāgāmin, Once-Returner). Upon eliminating the final three degrees of the first ground, one becomes a third stage Arhat (Skt. anāgāmin, Never-Returner). When all the remaining seventy-two are eliminated, one becomes a fourth stage Arhat (Skt. arhat). Sometimes only the fourth stage is referred to as Arhatship.” (HS 124)

八十一品思惑