There Cannot Be Alteration in a Stream-Enterer

Monks, there may be alteration in the four great elements in the earth element, the water element, the fire element, the wind element - but there cannot be alteration in the Noble Disciple who possesses confirmed confidence in The Buddha… in The Teachings... in The Community... Therein this is alteration: that the Noble Disciple who possesses confirmed confidence in The Buddha might be reborn in hell, in the animal realm, or in the realm of afflicted spirits. This is impossible.

Monks, there may be alteration in the four great elements in the earth element, the water element, the fire element, the wind element - but there cannot be alteration in the Noble Disciple who possesses the virtues dear to the Noble Ones. Therein this is alteration: that the Noble Disciple who possesses the virtues (moral conduct) dear to the Noble Ones might be reborn in hell, in the animal realm, or in the realm of afflicted spirits. This is impossible.

(Reference: SN 55.17)

In this Teaching from Gotama Buddha, he shares how the condition of mind of a Stream-Enterer is unable to be altered. A Practitioner who has attained the first Stage of Enlightenment has already seen significant improvements to the condition of their mind and the mind will not regress, “this is impossible”.

A Stream-Enterer is able to continue to progress on The Path to Enlightenment but the mind will not regress, decline, or backslide out of the first Stage of Enlightenment.