Significance of Arahatship
Arahatship in Buddhism signifies the ultimate spiritual attainment of enlightenment, characterized by liberation from the cycle of rebirth and suffering. This state is achieved through diligent practice and understanding of the Dhamma, ultimately resulting in the eradication of ignorance and defilements. Individuals who attain Arahatship, known as Arhats, embody complete wisdom and compassion, marking the culmination of their spiritual journey. It represents the supreme goal of Buddhist practice, signifying complete freedom from all influences and the cycle of birth and death.
Synonyms: Arahantship, Enlightenment, Buddhahood, Spiritual liberation, Awakening, Nirvana, Attainment., Liberation, Moksha, Sainthood
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Arahatship'
Arahatship in Buddhism represents the ultimate state of enlightenment and liberation, characterized by the complete eradication of defilements and suffering, marking freedom from the cycle of rebirth and achieving profound wisdom and compassion.
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) The ultimate goal achieved by the four sisters after they received ordination under the guidance of Sariputta.[1] (2) The state of having attained enlightenment and liberation from the cycle of birth and death.[2] (3) The attainment of the highest state of spiritual enlightenment in Buddhism, characterized by full liberation from suffering.[3] (4) The ultimate state of enlightenment and liberation that a well-tamed individual can achieve.[4] (5) The state of having attained enlightenment and breaking free from the cycle of birth and rebirth.[5]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) A state of spiritual enlightenment and freedom from the cycle of rebirth, achieved by Uggasena.[6] (2) A state of enlightenment that Monks like Venerable Tissa aimed to achieve in their lifetime.[7] (3) A state of being in which one has achieved liberation from all influences, often referred to as the destruction of influences.[8] (4) The supreme goal of Buddhism, involving full enlightenment and liberation from the cycle of rebirth.[9] (5) A state of enlightenment attained by monk Tissa at the end of his discourse with the Buddha, indicating complete liberation from suffering and the cycle of rebirth.[10]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The attainment of enlightenment and liberation from the cycle of birth and death, achieved by the backsliding Brother at the story’s conclusion.[11] (2) Arahatship is a state of spiritual perfection and enlightenment in Buddhism, which the Brother achieves through the Master’s teachings.[12] (3) Arahatship is a spiritual achievement achieved by the faint-hearted Brother after the Master's lesson on perseverance.[13] (4) A state of enlightenment and liberation attained by the Brother after learning the lesson from the Master.[14] (5) The highest state of spiritual attainment achieved by the five hundred Brethren after the Master’s teachings.[15]
From: Guide to Tipitaka
(1) The state of being an Arahat achieved by Venerable Channa and Rahula through proper understanding and practice of the teachings.[16] (2) A state of spiritual accomplishment in Buddhism where one has achieved liberation from the cycle of birth and death and is free from all fetters.[17] (3) A state of enlightenment claimed by some bhikkhus, questioned by Sunakkhatta; the Buddha illustrated that not all assertions of achievement were genuine.[18] (4) The state of having attained enlightenment and liberation from the cycle of rebirth, achieved by practicing the Buddha's teachings.[19] (5) The state of having attained enlightenment and liberation, as achieved by the Buddha's disciples.[20]
From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada
(1) The state of a being who has attained enlightenment and is free from the cycle of rebirth, embodying the qualities associated with Arahat.[21] (2) The state of being an Arahat, a person who has achieved enlightenment and is free from defilements.[22] (3) A state attained by Cakkhupala thera after his intense meditation and effort, signifying enlightenment and liberation from suffering.[23] (4) The ultimate state of enlightenment and freedom from the cycle of rebirth, achieved by the yogi.[24] (5) The state of being an Arahat, or enlightened being, achieved by Mahatissa thera after his contemplative practices.[25]
From: Milindapanha (questions of King Milinda)
(1) The state of having reached enlightenment and freed oneself from the cycle of rebirth and suffering, embodying wisdom and moral perfection.[26] (2) The highest state of enlightenment in Buddhism, achieved by complete liberation from suffering.[27] (3) The ultimate goal of spiritual attainment for a Samana, reflecting a state of enlightenment and liberation.[28] (4) The ultimate spiritual goal in Buddhism, representing a state of liberation and enlightenment.[29] (5) The attainment of a stage of enlightenment in Buddhism, associated with the monastic order and suggested as an achievement of Milinda in the narrative.[30]
From: Vinaya (3): The Cullavagga
(1) The attainment of enlightenment and liberation from the cycles of rebirth, something both Revata and Sabbakami claimed to have achieved.[31] (2) A state of enlightenment or liberation attained through spiritual practice, which Dabba achieved at the age of seven.[32] (3) The realization of ultimate spiritual attainment, marked by freedom from attachment and suffering.[33] (4) The state of enlightenment and liberation that one strives to attain within the Buddhist practice.[34] (5) A state of spiritual awakening and liberation from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.[35]
From: Vinaya (2): The Mahavagga
(1) The state of having attained enlightenment and liberation from the cycle of rebirth.[36] (2) A state of spiritual attainment recognized in Buddhism, associated with the worthy ones or Arahats who have gained insight into the nature of existence.[37] (3) The state of being an Arahat attained by Sona, characterized by the complete liberation from all defilements.[38]
From: A Manual of Abhidhamma
(1) A state of spiritual awakening in Buddhism associated with full enlightenment and the complete eradication of mental defilements.[39] (2) The final stage of spiritual attainment in Buddhism, characterized by the cessation of all desire and ignorance.[40] (3) The final state of Sainthood where all defilements are eradicated and one is free from the cycle of rebirth.[41]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life (by Ashin Janakabhivamsa)
(1) A state of enlightenment and spiritual liberation attained through diligent practice of kammatthana, as exemplified by individuals after listening to teachings on the Sutta.[42] (2) The state or path of attaining a person who has overcome lust, greed, and attachment to achieve Nibbána.[43]
From: Dipavamsa (study)
(1) The ultimate goal of enlightenment in Buddhism, symbolizing complete liberation from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.[44]
From: Cetasikas
(1) The final stage of enlightenment in Buddhism wherein all forms of ignorance are eradicated.[45]
From: The Doctrine of Paticcasamuppada
(1) A state of enlightenment and freedom from suffering that Dhammadinna eventually achieved.[46]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) The attainment of a state of enlightenment, free from the cycles of rebirth.[47] (2) The state of enlightenment attained by bhikkhus after listening to the Buddha's teachings.[48] (3) The state of being an Arahat, a person who has attained enlightenment and is free from defilements.[49] (4) The ultimate goal of enlightenment in Buddhism, signifying liberation from the cycle of rebirth and suffering.[50] (5) The attainment of a high spiritual status characterized by the eradication of all attachments and desires, achieved by Bhisaluvadayaka after becoming a monk.[51]