Significance of Arhat
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; In Portugese: Arhat; In Italian: Arhat; In Polish: 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'
Arhat in Buddhism signifies an enlightened being who has attained nirvana, freedom from rebirth, and liberation from defilements. These individuals, often monks, reach the final stage of enlightenment, demonstrating spiritual insight and playing key roles in Buddhist teachings and practices.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) After becoming an "arhat", Maudgalyayana still leaped about like a monkey whenever he heard music because he had been a monkey for 500 existences.[1] (2) The arhat was a title that people mistakenly believed applied to the disciple, leading them to bring him masses of offerings.[2] (3) mentions individuals of significant spiritual attainment, specifically noting that a thousand were chosen from an incalculable number, highlighting a selection process with specific criteria.[3] (4) Arhats refers to a state of enlightenment or spiritual attainment, as Shariputra attained the bodhi of the Arhats after a fortnight and many parivrajakas acceded to the state of arhat at ordination.[4] (5) The arhats, although without impurities, render only mediocre service compared to the immense service provided by the bodhisattva.[5]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) The text describes how some cultivators do not become arhats because they are attached to birth-and-death false thinking and mistake it for what is truly real.[6] (2) They awaken to the Way by cultivating the dharma-door of the four sagely truths, distinguishing them from ordinary people.[7] (3) Thinking one is an Arhat can lead to the demons descending upon them.[8] (4) Great Arhats whose outflows were extinguished, born from the Buddha's dharma, and attained the stage beyond learning.[9] (5) Individuals who have achieved enlightenment and are free from the cycle of birth and rebirth in Buddhism.[10]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) An arhat is a being who has attained enlightenment and liberation from the cycle of rebirth, having eradicated all defilements and achieved inner peace.[11] (2) Arhats have cut off defilement, but they do not see the Buddha-Nature, meaning they cannot gain unsurpassed Enlightenment, and may have a bondage of fruition.[12] (3) There were 8 million bhiksus present at that time, all of which were considered to be these saints.[13] (4) This term describes an individual who has reached a specific level of spiritual attainment, arriving after 20,000 kalpas, in the context of the teachings.[14] (5) Arhatship is a state the Buddha attained, but it was manifested in Jambudvipa to accord with the way of the world.[15]
From: Lotus Sutra (Saddharma-Pundarika)
(1) The text refers to Galadharagargitaghoshasusvaranakshatraragasankusumitabhijna as an Arhat.[16] (2) The Arhat is possessed of the faculty of penetrating all laws, possessed of the highest perfection of knowledge, so that he is able to decide all laws.[17] (3) Individuals who have achieved spiritual enlightenment and are worthy of veneration.[18] (4) 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.[19] (5) 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.[20]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) This is a person who has the bliss of peace, but it is not the highest level of bliss.[21] (2) A being who has attained personal liberation but does not aim to help others liberate themselves.[22] (3) An arhat is an enlightened being who has reached nirvana, free from the cycle of rebirth and the afflictions of dualistic existence.[23]
From: The Perfection Of Wisdom In Eight Thousand Lines
(1) The document mentions the Suchness of the **Arhats** as part of a broader description of Suchness, encompassing past, future, and present states, as well as the Suchness of the dharmas, and the Buddhas, where all is Suchness.[24] (2) These are the ones who are outshined by the wise Bodhisattva, who walks in wisdom, the foremost perfection, having risen out of the jungle of views that were binding them.[25] (3) Arhat is one of the fruits that a bodhisattva does not take a stand upon, and the text indicates that those who achieve the fruit of Arhat, as well as Buddhahood or Nirvana, learn that they are mere illusions, and this understanding influences the practice of a wise and learned bodhisattva.[26]
From: Lankavatara Sutra
(1) Arhat is another title of the Blessed One, who is requested to explain the merit and vice of meat-eating to help beings abandon their greed for flesh.[27] (2) Arhats are included as enlightened beings, according to the Classification of Beings from the Mahayana point of view; also included are Bodhisattvas and Pratyekabuddhas.[28] (3) The text describes the Arhats as beings who attain enlightenment intuitively, and their knowledge is of a permanent nature.[29]
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.[30]
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.[31]
From: Avatamsaka Sutra (flower adornment sutra)—Preface
(1) Individuals who have achieved enlightenment by cutting off various delusions, such as view and thought delusions, and they are classified into different levels based on their attainments.[32]
From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Purvapranidhana Sutra
(1) It is a being who certified to the fruition and accumulated blessings to rescue beings. It met Bright Eyes and guided her to save her mother.[33]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) This describes an elderly monk who visited the rich man's house and received offerings, leading to envy from the resident monk.[34] (2) Enlightened beings who accompanied Buddha Narada and were significant to his teachings and followers.[35] (3) A person who has attained enlightenment and freedom from desire, highlighted in the teachings of the Buddha.[36] (4) A person who has attained enlightenment and is freed from the cycle of rebirth; Bahiya became an arhat after listening to the Buddha.[37] (5) A person who has achieved enlightenment and is free from the cycle of birth and rebirth.[38]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life
(1) Arahats are enlightened beings who, according to the text, do not have kusala or akusala cittas arising after the votthapana-citta; instead, they have kiriyacittas, and they also possess maha-kiriyacittas instead of maha-kusala cittas.[39] (2) A person who has achieved enlightenment and is freed from the cycle of birth and death, thus not experiencing patisandhi-citta after cuti-citta.[40]
From: Cetasikas
(1) A being who has attained enlightenment, having eradicated all defilements and realizes nibbana.[41] (2) Individuals who have attained enlightenment and perfected the quality of non-aversion, embodying true kindness towards all beings.[42]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) An enlightened being who has achieved full liberation from the cycle of birth and death in Buddhist tradition.[43]
From: Hualin International Journal of Buddhist Studies
(1) Monks, including these figures, are generally not depicted with nimbi in the artistic representations from Kucha.[44] (2) These are figures who are the focus of beliefs and practices within the context of Chinese Buddhism, with their representations found in paintings, and they are often associated with sacred dwellings like caves and monasteries.[45] (3) Arhats are a type of Buddhist saintly figure that are often depicted in groups of sixteen, eighteen, or 500, and the word means worthy for offerings, which is reflected in the Chinese translations.[46] (4) This individual was consulted by Zhiyan, offering guidance and insights, reflecting the importance of seeking wisdom in religious matters.[47] (5) This term refers to enlightened beings, whose iconography is different in Kucha’s caves, and they are often depicted without any nimbus, but often only with flames and water emitted from the body.[48]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) These are the individuals who have destroyed their cankers and accompanied the Glorious One on the journey, demonstrating spiritual attainment.[49] (2) A person who has attained enlightenment and is free from all defilements.[50]
From: The Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King (A Life of Buddha)
(1) One who has done all that should be done, all imperfections quite removed, knowing the meed of gratitude, and speaking gratefully of his master.[51] (2) A person who has attained enlightenment and is free from the cycle of birth and death.[52]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) Those who have achieved a particular level of enlightenment and are considered to have reached their final goal.[53]
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.[54] (2) A person who has attained enlightenment and is free from passions and impurities, thus experiencing a different form of consciousness.[55] (3) Individuals who have achieved enlightenment and can be referenced in discussions regarding Buddhist teachings.[56]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) An arhat from Ceylon recognized the ‘bri khung Dharmasvamin to be an incarnation of Nagarjuna, confirming his status.[57] (2) Arhat is a stage of enlightenment attained by monks, such as Upagupta and Simha, who dedicated their lives to the religious order.[58]
Hindu concept of 'Arhat'
In Hinduism, Arhat signifies an individual who has attained Nirvana and seeks liberation from rebirth, primarily within Hinayana Buddhism. The term also appears in Burmese chronicles and Jain traditions, though its specific meaning may vary.
From: Taittiriya Upanishad
(1) Followers of the Jain tradition who classify existence into two primary categories: Jiva (soul) and a-Jiva (non-soul).[59]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) The Arhat's doctrines must be disregarded by men desirous of final beatitude because they are untenable and foreign to the Veda.[60]
From: Vastu-shastra (Introduction to Indian architecture)
(1) The Burmese Glass Palace chronicle tells about the erection of the Ananda temple of Pagan, how King Kyanzittha [Kyansittha] requested eight Arhats to produce by their concentrated thought an image of the cave Nandamula in the Gandhamadana.[61]
Jain concept of 'Arhat'
In Jainism, Arhats are enlightened beings and revered teachers. They possess omniscience, inspire devotion, and are central to spiritual practices. These figures are honored for their knowledge, compassion, and role in achieving liberation, serving as guides towards enlightenment.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Images of the Arhats fill various places in Hastinapura, such as royal palaces, houses, and gateways, indicating their significance in the city.[62] (2) Arhat is a title Goshala initially claims for himself, specifically as the twenty-fourth, but later disavows, admitting that he is not an Arhat before his death.[63] (3) An Arhat is a revered figure whose presence is heralded by dreams and whose birth is celebrated by gods, embodying spiritual significance.[64] (4) An Arhat is mentioned as the recipient of a hymn of praise, indicating a revered or enlightened figure within a spiritual or religious context.[65] (5) This is an important figure whose birth was known through clairvoyance and who received visits and ceremonies from various goddesses.[66]
From: Sutrakritanga (English translation)
(1) Enlightened beings who have proclaimed spiritual commandments that followers are encouraged to adhere to.[67] (2) A term describing a person who has achieved enlightenment and is revered as pure and virtuous.[68]
From: Kalpa-sutra (Lives of the Jinas)
(1) Individuals who are considered to be enlightened, and the text discusses their births and families.[69] (2) The term 'Arhats' is used to express a salutation, showing honor to a specific group of individuals within the context of this text, representing those who are revered.[70]
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.[71]
The concept of Arhat in local and regional sources
Arhat, in Buddhism, signifies an enlightened individual free from the cycle of rebirth and suffering. It represents the ideal spiritual attainment, achieved through following the Buddha's path, often venerated and honored for their spiritual achievements.
From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)
(1) The Arhats had beds ranged north and south in a double row in the mountain, and there is now a great temple with about 200 priests.[72] (2) The Arhats dwell in stone chambers along the precipitous sides of the mountains, highlighting the region's significance as a place of spiritual retreat.[73] (3) After meeting with this person, the former king of this land heard the law and came to understand and believe in it, causing him to change his religious views.[74] (4) The Bhikshu was identified as an Arhat who has entered the samadhi which produces extinction of mind, recognizing his advanced spiritual state.[75] (5) This term refers to individuals who have attained a specific level of spiritual enlightenment, suggesting a state of liberation and the cessation of suffering.[76]
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.[77] (2) A spiritual status achieved by the Bhikshu, who arrived at insight regarding the nature of existence amid suffering.[78] (3) The position attained by the Bhikshu upon completing the act of self-harm, marking his entry into Nirvana.[79] (4) Buddhist monks who come to reside in the Cock’s-foot mountain at sunset to assist pilgrims with their doubts.[80]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Arhat is a name the Jains prefer to use for such perfected souls, just as the Buddhists prefer to speak of Buddha as Tathagata or the "perfect one."[81]
The concept of Arhat in scientific sources
Arhat signifies a Buddhist saint, emphasizing honesty about spiritual attainment. Codes forbid monks from falsely claiming this status, highlighting the importance of truthfulness in spiritual achievements within the monastic community.
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) Arhat is the term used for a Buddhist saint, and the codes prohibit monks from falsely claiming to have attained this status, indicating the importance of honesty regarding spiritual achievements.[82]