Arahant (Sanskrit: अर्हत् Arahant, Pali: Arahant), also spelled Arhat, is a being who has attained full liberation from the cycle of birth and death (संसार Saṃsāra ) by realizing the true nature of reality and eradicating all mental defilements. The term arahant means “worthy one” or “one who is deserving” in both Pali and Sanskrit, signifying that the person has reached a state of perfection and is no longer subject to rebirth. The attainment of arahantship is a central goal in Theravāda Buddhism, and it represents the highest level of spiritual development for disciples who follow the path laid out by the Buddha.

Characteristics of an Arahant:

An Arahant has fully realized the Four Noble Truths and has extinguished all forms of craving, hatred, and ignorance, which are the root causes of suffering (dukkha). This state of liberation is called nirvāṇa or nibbāna in Pali, and it is the ultimate freedom from the cycle of rebirth and all forms of mental affliction. The defining characteristics of an Arahant include:

  1. Complete Liberation from Saṃsāra:

An Arahant is no longer subject to the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. Upon death, they do not take rebirth in any realm of existence, having transcended all attachments and delusions.

  1. Freedom from Defilements (क्लेश Kleśas): All mental impurities or defilements (kleśas)—such as greed, anger, and ignorance—are completely eradicated in an Arahant. Their mind is pure, peaceful, and free from all forms of suffering.

  2. Perfect Wisdom (Prajñā): An Arahant has developed perfect wisdom and insight into the true nature of reality, particularly the understanding of impermanence (anicca), non-self (anātman), and the nature of suffering. This wisdom is not theoretical but directly realized through deep meditative practice and insight.

  3. Ethical Perfection (शील Śīla ): An Arahant lives with perfect ethical conduct, free from any harmful actions, speech, or thoughts. Their behavior is naturally aligned with the highest moral principles because their mind is completely purified.

  4. No More Rebirth: Unlike ordinary beings or bodhisattvas who may continue to be reborn to help others, an Arahant has fully transcended saṃsāra and will not be reborn after death. This is known as parinibbāna (final nirvāṇa), which occurs at the death of an Arahant.

Arahantship in Theravāda Buddhism :

In Theravāda Buddhism, Arahantship represents the highest spiritual achievement, and the Buddha himself is considered an Arahant who rediscovered the path to enlightenment and taught it to others. The primary goal of Theravāda practie is to follow the Noble Eightfold Path, which leads to the cessation of suffering and the attainment of nirvāṇa. Disciples who reach this state are known as Arahants, and their attainment is regarded as the complete fulfillment of the Buddha’s teachings.

In this tradition, the focus is on individual liberation, and the Arahant path is seen as the most direct way to attain nirvāṇa. Monks and nuns in Theravāda are often considered practitioners who aim to become Arahants, although lay practitioners can also achieve this state.

Arahant vs. Bodhisattva:

In Mahayana Buddhism, while the concept of the Arahant is acknowledged, it is seen as an intermediate stage of spiritual development. Mahayana practitioners often aspire to the path of the bodhisattva, who postpones final enlightenment to remain in the world and help all sentient beings achieve liberation. From the Mahayana perspective, the Arahant focuses on personal liberation, whereas the bodhisattva path emphasizes universal compassion and the goal of becoming a fully enlightened Buddha to benefit all beings.

However, in the Theravāda tradition, the attainment of Arahantship is highly revered, as it represents the culmination of the spiritual path and the realization of nirvāṇa.

The Four Stages of Enlightenment:

• Arahantship* is the highest of the Four Stages of Enlightenment in Theravāda Buddhism. These stages mark the progressive liberation from mental defilements and the cycle of rebirth:

  1. Stream-Enterer (Sotāpanna ): A practitioner who has attained the first stage of enlightenment and will no longer be reborn in lower realms. They are guaranteed to achieve full enlightenment within seven lifetimes.
  2. Once-Returner (Sakadāgāmī): A being who has weakened attachment and aversion and will be reborn only once more in the human realm.
  3. Non-Returner (अनागामी Anāgāmī): A being who has overcome sensual desire and will no longer be reborn in the human realm, instead attaining final liberation in a higher realm.
  4. Arahant: A fully enlightened being who has eradicated all defilements and will no longer be reborn.

The Example of the Buddha:

Although Siddhartha Gautama, the historical Buddha, is often referred to as an Arahant due to his full enlightenment, he is also known as a Sammāsambuddha, a perfectly self-awakened Buddha who attained enlightenment without the guidance of a teacher and who teaches the Dharma to others. This distinguishes him from ordinary Arahants, who reach enlightenment by following the Buddha’s path.

In Summary: