In BUDDHISM, a “non-learner” or one who has “finished his learning.” It refers to the highest attainment of an ARHAT, the last of the four stages of spiritual development in Buddhism. The word comes from the prefix a, not and sekha, learner. Those who are going through the first three stages (Srotapanna, Sakdagamin, and Anagamin) are referred to as learners.

In the writings of Charles W. LEADBEATER, the Asekha initiation is considered as the fifth one, higher than that of an Arhat. It is the one that makes one an Adept or MAHATMA. Such an individual, while sustaining a physical body, normally sustains his consciousness in the nirvanic level. See also Initiation.

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