Phala is a
Sanskrit term that means “fruit” of one's actions in
Hinduism and
Buddhism. In Buddhism, the following types of phala are identified:
Ariya-phala also refers to the fruition of following the Buddhist path.
Maha-phala refers the great fruits of the contemplative life.
Within Hinduism
In Hinduism, the term phala is translated as fruition, results, effects.[1]
In
Hindu literature, a
phalashruti is a meritorious verse that describes the benefits of listening to a given text and details its greatness.[2]
The Yoga-Sûtra of Patañjali (verse 2.36) states:[1]
As truthfulness (satya) is achieved, the fruits of actions naturally result according to the will of the Yogi. (satya pratisthayam kriya phala ashrayatvam)
Within Buddhism
Within Buddhism, the term phala is used to refer to the fruition or results of actions according to the doctrine of
karmic action and result.
Alternate translations
The term phala is translated as:
fruit (Harvey, 1990, p. 39;[3] Keown, 2000, loc 810-813)
The term Ariya phala is used to refer specifically to the fruition of following the Buddhist path. The fruition for each of the four levels of the path is identified as follows:[5][6]
Sota patti phala, fruition of stream entry
Sakadagamiphala, fruition of once returning
Anagami phala, fruition of non returning
Arahatta phala, fruition of the worthy one or perfected one
Maha-phala
The term Maha-phala refers to the ten "Great fruits" of the contemplative life. According to the Samaññaphala Sutta, the 10 “Great fruits” (DN 2) are:[7]
Equanimity (upekkha)
Fearlessness (nibbhaya)
Freedom from unhappiness & suffering (Asukhacaadukkha)