Arhat

Definition

An arhat is an enlightened being in Theravada Buddhism who has attained Nirvana and is free from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara). This state represents the ultimate goal of the Theravada path, characterized by the complete eradication of desire, attachment, and ignorance. Arhats are revered as ideal practitioners who have realized the teachings of the Buddha and serve as inspirations for other Buddhists seeking enlightenment.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Arhats are considered to have reached the final stage of spiritual development, embodying wisdom, compassion, and moral conduct.
2. In Theravada tradition, the path to becoming an arhat involves following the Noble Eightfold Path, which includes right understanding, intention, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration.
3. Unlike Bodhisattvas in Mahayana Buddhism who delay their own enlightenment to help others, arhats focus on their personal attainment of Nirvana.
4. The concept of arhat is central to Theravada Buddhism's understanding of enlightenment and serves as a benchmark for individual practice.
5. Arhats are often depicted in Buddhist scriptures as having profound meditative abilities and insights into the nature of reality.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of an arhat differ from that of a Bodhisattva in terms of goals and practices?
  • The concept of an arhat focuses on achieving personal enlightenment and liberation from samsara, emphasizing individual practice along the Noble Eightfold Path. In contrast, a Bodhisattva seeks enlightenment not just for themselves but also commits to helping all sentient beings attain liberation. While arhats prioritize their own Nirvana and complete cessation of suffering, Bodhisattvas choose to delay their enlightenment to aid others on their journey.
• Discuss the significance of attaining Nirvana for an arhat in Theravada Buddhism and its implications for their life after enlightenment.
  • For an arhat, attaining Nirvana signifies the end of suffering and liberation from samsara. This achievement means that they no longer experience rebirth or the cycles of attachment and desire that bind ordinary beings. After becoming an arhat, they exist in a state of peace and wisdom, embodying the ultimate teachings of the Buddha. Their lives serve as exemplars for other practitioners seeking to follow the same path toward enlightenment.
• Evaluate the role of arhats within the broader context of Theravada Buddhism and how they influence contemporary Buddhist practices.
  • Arhats play a pivotal role in Theravada Buddhism as models for spiritual achievement and ethical conduct. They influence contemporary practices by providing a standard for laypeople and monks alike to strive toward. The emphasis on individual effort to achieve enlightenment resonates with modern practitioners who seek personal spiritual growth within a community setting. Additionally, teachings about arhats encourage meditation and moral living as essential components of contemporary Buddhist practice.

Related terms

Nirvana: The ultimate state of liberation and freedom from suffering in Buddhism, achieved by extinguishing desire and attachment.

Samsara: The continuous cycle of birth, death, and rebirth that all beings experience until they achieve enlightenment.

Buddha: An enlightened being who has attained Nirvana and serves as a teacher; specifically refers to Siddhartha Gautama, the historical founder of Buddhism.