Has anyone here attained streamentry solely through mantra practice, nianfo/nembutsu, or the recitation of 'buddho' as taught in the Thai Forest Tradition?

[u/woai00]

I’m genuinely curious whether anyone has experienced streamentry (sotāpatti) through practices centered on mantra repetition—specifically:

Nianfo/Nembutsu (reciting Amitabha’s name)

"Buddho" meditation (as taught in the Thai Forest Tradition)

Or any other mantra-based practice that was used as the primary method

I understand that insight into the three characteristics is essential for awakening, but I also know some traditions emphasize that deep samādhi and unwavering mindfulness—developed through repetition—can become the foundation for insight to arise naturally.

So I’m wondering:

Did mantra or name-recitation play a central role in your path to streamentry?

How did you bridge from repetition to insight? Were you following a particular teacher or tradition?

I’d love to hear your experience or any resources/stories you’ve come across where streamentry was reached through these methods. 🙏

[u/carpebaculum]

Not the path I took, but pretty sure I've read somewhere (maybe DhO) where mantra practice can be quite insight-y, for lack of a better word. Some describe how their experiences of hearing the mantras change, tracking the progress of insight. Not surprising at all, because one can attain stream entry via mindfulness of sounds, and mantra is a sound.