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In Buddhism we classically have four stages of enlightenment:
My question, as stated in the title, is: can a person attain to any one of the four stages mentioned above without clearly recognizing it?
Samyutta Nikaya - Maha Vaggo (2) Sotapatti Samyuttaya
Here you can find sutta where Buddha explains who a Sotapatti stream winner is.
There are other places in Tipitaka where Buddha mentions the first three and the fourth one as
A definitive answer may be found here:
Samyutta Nikaya - Maha Vaggo (2) Sotapatti Samyuttaya - 11.1.5
As you might notice, as long as there is doubt (Vicikiccä) you are not sothäpanna. By observing your own mind, you can confirm if you are sothäpanna or not.
To go a step further, it is wise to practice Buddhism with the thoughts
This way, one won't waste time thinking am I this, am I that. Where there is craving, anger, delusion, there is harm for oneself and others. Therefore, you can practice this just by deciding to be harmless.
Especially the stream-enterer in some cases if not fully guided by the meditation master will not be identify clearly which stage he/she achieve. Only with the help of the meditation master who can teach how magga and phala was achieved during practice will know exactly what is what. Once in Buddha time, one upathaka didn't know his afterlife whether might be in lower realm although he already entered sotapanna stage which I heard from one of my venerable sayadaw highlighting the importance of meditation master.
Ransara,
Yes, in regard of the question, it's possible that one is not aware of certain paths and fruits. As for the Arahat, my person is not sure about it, but one could investigate some situations in the Suttas.
Many do not know their current wealth, but that is mostly good, since it caused suffering thinking "I am this or that", not to speak of questioning "Am I this or that. So when asking your self or other, simple ask if this or that work has been already done. So if not "the task is done, there is no more further for this world (or a next)" arsises, is know simple: Work, and take on all possible given possibilities for it.
One having done
Not easy to do
Should not be scared
To delight in it
Nor should one
Reject done merits.
For it is hard
To gain such a life
And its even harder
To gain such again:
Meeting either
The good Dhamma
Or upright leading man.
What ever good
Has been done
Achived, sacrified,
Only those delighting,
In deeds hard to do,
Having gratitude,
Form themselves and
In regard of others
Their sacrifies, their deeds,
Are able to carry themseves
Beyound.
Anumodan(e)a!
(Note: this answer is a gift of Dhamma and not meant for any commercial purpose or other worldily gains.)
It's impossible to not realize nibbana when it occurs on each levels. When everything ceased and attained nibbana you will definitely understand that you really get there.
