Significance of Arhat
Arhat is a prominent concept in both Buddhism and Jainism, referring to individuals who have attained enlightenment and liberated themselves from the cycle of birth and death. In Buddhism, Arhats are recognized as fully enlightened beings who have overcome all defilements and are celebrated for their spiritual achievements and teachings. In Jainism, the term denotes those who have achieved spiritual emancipation, serving as revered figures guiding others on the path to liberation. Overall, Arhats represent ultimate spiritual success in these traditions.
Synonyms: Enlightened being, Worthy one, Saint, Liberated one, Spiritual master, Sage, Enlightened one, Perfected being, Holy person, Awakened one
In Dutch: Arhat; In German: Arhat; In Finnish: Arhat; In Spanish: Arhat; In Swedish: Arhat; In Malay: Arhat; In French: Arhat
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Arhat'
An Arhat in Buddhism is an enlightened being who has attained liberation from the cycle of birth and death, achieving nirvana and embodying the ultimate truths, distinctively recognized for personal perfection and spiritual development.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) A term designating a disciple who has achieved sainthood, reflecting a level of attainment within Buddhism distinct from that of the Buddha.[1] (2) A person who has gained insight into the true nature of reality and attained liberation from the cycle of birth and death.[2] (3) Individuals who have attained enlightenment and are no longer in need of practice, distinct from those who are still learning.[3] (4) Individuals who have achieved enlightenment and liberation from the cycle of rebirth, noted for their ability to no longer serve or venerate others.[4] (5) A title given to a fully enlightened being or sage, which Madhuvasishtha achieved after practicing brahmacarya.[5]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) Individuals who have achieved enlightenment and are free from the cycle of birth and rebirth in Buddhism.[6] (2) A person who has achieved enlightenment and has been certified to fruition; Pilindavatsa is described as such.[7] (3) A being who has achieved a significant level of enlightenment and liberation from suffering.[8] (4) A person who has attained enlightenment; the term has multiple interpretations, including 'worthy of offerings' and 'killer of thieves.'[9] (5) Enlightened beings who have attained nirvana and who participated in the dharma assembly, expressing skepticism about the presence of demons.[10]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) Individuals who have attained enlightenment and liberation from suffering, free from the cycle of rebirth.[11] (2) The fourth category of individuals who have fully realized the Buddha's teachings and live in a state of profound wisdom and liberation.[12] (3) One who has achieved enlightenment and is free from the cycle of birth and death, embodying the ultimate realization in Buddhism.[13] (4) An individual who has attained enlightenment and liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth in Buddhist belief.[14]
From: Lotus Sutra (Saddharma-Pundarika)
(1) Individuals who have achieved spiritual enlightenment and are worthy of veneration.[15] (2) An enlightened individual who has attained Nirvana and is free from the cycle of birth and rebirth; included in the titles of the future Tathagatas.[16] (3) A being who has attained enlightenment and liberation from the cycle of rebirth, often a title given to monks who have realized profound spiritual truths.[17] (4) Saints in Buddhism who have reached a high level of spiritual attainment and are free from desires and moral impurities.[18]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) A being who has attained personal liberation but does not aim to help others liberate themselves.[19] (2) An arhat is an enlightened being who has reached nirvana, free from the cycle of rebirth and the afflictions of dualistic existence.[20]
From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva (Sutra of the Great Vow)
(1) A person who has achieved a high state of enlightenment and is freed from the cycle of rebirth.[21]
From: The gods of northern Buddhism
(1) An Arhat is one who has reached the end of the Eight-Fold Path, achieving not only personal perfection but also the ability to guide others towards perfection.[22]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) Enlightened beings who accompanied Buddha Narada and were significant to his teachings and followers.[23] (2) A person who has attained enlightenment and freedom from desire, highlighted in the teachings of the Buddha.[24] (3) A person who has attained enlightenment and is freed from the cycle of rebirth; Bahiya became an arhat after listening to the Buddha.[25] (4) A person who has achieved enlightenment and is free from the cycle of birth and rebirth.[26]
From: Cetasikas
(1) A being who has attained enlightenment, having eradicated all defilements and realizes nibbana.[27] (2) Individuals who have attained enlightenment and perfected the quality of non-aversion, embodying true kindness towards all beings.[28]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life
(1) A person who has achieved enlightenment and is freed from the cycle of birth and death, thus not experiencing patisandhi-citta after cuti-citta.[29]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) An enlightened being who has achieved full liberation from the cycle of birth and death in Buddhist tradition.[30]
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) Individuals who have reached a level of spiritual enlightenment in Buddhism, referenced in the discussion around consciousness and its continuity.[31] (2) A person who has attained enlightenment and is free from passions and impurities, thus experiencing a different form of consciousness.[32] (3) Individuals who have achieved enlightenment and can be referenced in discussions regarding Buddhist teachings.[33]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) Those who have achieved a particular level of enlightenment and are considered to have reached their final goal.[34]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) A person who has attained enlightenment and is free from all defilements.[35]
From: The Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King (A Life of Buddha)
(1) A person who has attained enlightenment and is free from the cycle of birth and death.[36]
Hindu concept of 'Arhat'
In Hinduism, "Arhat" signifies followers of Jainism who recognize Jiva and a-Jiva, and in Hinayana Buddhism, it denotes an individual who reaches Nirvana, focusing on personal liberation from rebirth.
From: Taittiriya Upanishad
(1) Followers of the Jain tradition who classify existence into two primary categories: Jiva (soul) and a-Jiva (non-soul).[37]
Jain concept of 'Arhat'
The term "Arhat" in Jainism signifies a spiritually accomplished individual who has attained enlightenment, liberated from worldly attachments and desires, revered for their divine knowledge and authority, guiding others toward emancipation.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A revered figure that Shakra bowed to upon entering the birth-house.[38] (2) A supreme spiritual being revered as the god of gods, embodying enlightenment and ultimate knowledge, central to the teachings followed by Prabhavati.[39] (3) Enlightened beings in Jainism, revered for their knowledge and compassion.[40] (4) A title given to Prince Aparajita, signifying his future capabilities towards emancipation.[41] (5) Enlightened beings that Nandana considered as his refuge in spiritual pursuit.[42]
From: Sutrakritanga (English translation)
(1) Enlightened beings who have proclaimed spiritual commandments that followers are encouraged to adhere to.[43] (2) A term describing a person who has achieved enlightenment and is revered as pure and virtuous.[44]
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) A term for a person who has attained enlightenment and is free from the cycle of birth and death.[45]
The concept of Arhat in local and regional sources
Arhat signifies an enlightened being in Buddhism who has achieved liberation through diligent practice. This title represents exemplary spiritual attainment, marking individuals respected for their enlightenment and insight into existence, often honored posthumously.
From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)
(1) Individuals who have attained enlightenment, previously living in the convent but have since departed due to changing conditions.[46] (2) A term for an enlightened individual in Buddhism, who has attained liberation from suffering.[47] (3) Individuals who have reached a degree of spiritual achievement, often honored with stupas upon death.[48] (4) Holy disciples of Tathagata who maintain the religious offerings in light of the dragon's promise.[49] (5) A person who has attained enlightenment in Buddhism and is venerated for their spiritual attainments.[50]
From: The travels of Fa-Hian (400 A.D.)
(1) Spiritual practitioners who, like Buddha, have attained enlightenment and have their own caves for meditation.[51] (2) A spiritual status achieved by the Bhikshu, who arrived at insight regarding the nature of existence amid suffering.[52] (3) The position attained by the Bhikshu upon completing the act of self-harm, marking his entry into Nirvana.[53] (4) Buddhist monks who come to reside in the Cock’s-foot mountain at sunset to assist pilgrims with their doubts.[54]