arhat Definition
a person who has attained enlightenment and is considered a saint in Buddhism.
Using arhat: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "arhat" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The arhat is revered in Buddhist tradition for their attainment of enlightenment.
Example
The Buddha himself was an arhat before he became enlightened.
Example
In Mahayana Buddhism, the arhat is seen as a lower form of spiritual attainment compared to the bodhisattva.
Phrases with arhat
the four levels of spiritual attainment in Theravada Buddhism, culminating in the state of arhatship
Example
The four stages of arhat are stream-enterer, once-returner, non-returner, and arhat.
pratyekabuddha arhat
a type of arhat in Mahayana Buddhism who attains enlightenment through their own efforts rather than through the guidance of a teacher
Example
The pratyekabuddha arhat is seen as a solitary figure who does not seek to help others achieve enlightenment.
the difference between the two types of spiritual attainment in Buddhism, with the bodhisattva being one who seeks to help others attain enlightenment while the arhat seeks only their own liberation
Example
The Mahayana tradition emphasizes the importance of the bodhisattva path over the arhat path.
Origins of arhat
from Sanskrit 'arahant', meaning 'worthy'
Summary: arhat in Brief
An 'arhat' [ahr-haht] is a person who has attained enlightenment and is considered a saint in Buddhism. The term originates from Sanskrit 'arahant', meaning 'worthy'. In Theravada Buddhism, the arhat is seen as the highest level of spiritual attainment, while in Mahayana Buddhism, it is considered a lower form compared to the bodhisattva. Phrases like 'four stages of arhat' and 'pratyekabuddha arhat' describe different types of arhats and their spiritual paths.
