The ultimate consequence
If the gradual reduction of experience, or the cognitive ecstasy, as described above is practiced seriously and conscientiously, it is possible for the meditator to become at least a Non-returner (Anāgami) if not a Breaker of Bonds (Arahat). In other words, if the meditation is practiced as described above, it is possible to Awaken from the dream of existence, and reach the state of Awakening (sammā sambodhi) as the Buddha did. Yet it is also possible to Become Awakened without going through this process of Absolute Stopping of the Mind (saññā vedayita nirodha). It is to make things easier that the Buddha pointed out the Supernormal Eightfold Way.
The individual who follows the Supernormal Eightfold Way, and is emancipated by Awakening at the fourth affective ecstasy (jhāna), is called a ceto vimutti. The individual who goes through the cognitive ecstasies, and absolutely stops the mind, and Awakens by observing the process of creation is called paññā vimutti. A person who Awakens in both ways is called the ubhato bhāga vimutti. The chief disciples of the Buddha, Sariputta and Moggallana, are among those who had gone through this “double awakening” (ubhato bhāga vimutti). We shall go into a discussion of this natural law in more detail subsequently.