Significance of Arhatship
Arhatship in Buddhism represents the ultimate state of achieving enlightenment and liberation from the cycle of rebirth, as confirmed across various traditions. It denotes a profound spiritual accomplishment, where individuals have eradicated all desires and defilements, resulting in freedom from suffering and samsara. This state is viewed as the culmination of rigorous spiritual practice and understanding of the Buddha's teachings. Arhats, those who attain this state, are freed from birth and death cycles, marking a significant milestone in the spiritual journey.
Synonyms: Buddhahood, Enlightenment, Spiritual attainment, Sagehood, Liberation, Nirvana., Sainthood, Nirvana
In Finnish: Arhatship; In Dutch: Arhatschap; In Spanish: Estado de 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 'Arhatship'
Arhatship in Buddhism signifies a state of enlightenment and liberation from the cycle of birth and death, achieved by individuals who have eliminated all defilements and fully realized the Buddha's teachings, marking a significant milestone in the spiritual journey.
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) A state of enlightenment attained in Buddhism characterized by the realization of truth and liberation from samsara.[1] (2) Arhatship is a level of spiritual attainment in Buddhism where one has eliminated all desires and achieved enlightenment.[2] (3) A state of enlightenment and liberation achieved by Mahakashyapa, indicating his profound understanding and extinguishing of worldly attachments.[3] (4) A state of spiritual attainment recognized by the Tathagata, denoting liberation from the cycle of birth and death.[4] (5) A stage of enlightenment characterized by the extinction of individual habits and ignorance.[5]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) The state of a person who has attained nirvana, having eliminated all defilements and liberated from samsara.[6] (2) The state of having achieved personal liberation and insight, often considered the ideal attainment in the Buddhist path.[7] (3) The state of enlightenment and liberation attained by those who have extinguished all defilements.[8] (4) The state of being an 'arhat', an enlightened being who has attained Nirvana but remains engaged in the world to help others.[9]
From: Lotus Sutra
(1) A state of complete freedom from the cycle of rebirth and suffering, achieved by individual practitioners following the Buddha's teachings.[10] (2) The stage of enlightenment where an individual is free from corruption and suffering, having attained profound meditations and mastery.[11] (3) The state of being an arhat, a person who has achieved enlightenment and is free from the cycle of rebirth.[12]
From: Buddhacarita
(1) The state of having achieved enlightenment and liberated oneself from the cycle of birth and death.[13] (2) The state of being an arhat, a person who has achieved enlightenment and liberation from suffering.[14]
From: Lotus Sutra (Saddharma-Pundarika)
(1) The ultimate state of spiritual perfection in Buddhism where one is free from all imperfections and has achieved liberation.[15] (2) The state of having reached enlightenment, free from desires and suffering.[16]
From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Purvapranidhana Sutra
(1) The state of having attained enlightenment and liberation from the cycle of rebirth, recognized in various Buddhist traditions.[17]
From: The Perfection Of Wisdom In Eight Thousand Lines
(1) Arhatship is the spiritual state of an Arhat, who has achieved enlightenment and liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth, but unlike a Bodhisattva, does not return to help others.[18]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) The attainment of the highest state of enlightenment and liberation from the cycle of birth and death, which Sona achieved through his meditation practice.[19] (2) The state of perfect enlightenment and liberation from the cycle of birth and death.[20] (3) The state of having attained enlightenment and liberation from the cycle of birth and death, which was achieved by Gotama's followers through his teachings.[21] (4) The state of enlightenment attained by a person who has removed all defilements and no longer experiences suffering.[22] (5) The state achieved by Uggasena, meaning he gained enlightenment and freedom from the cycle of birth and death.[23]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) The state of having attained enlightenment and the associated supernatural faculties.[24] (2) The ultimate goal in Buddhism, representing the state of liberation from the cycles of birth and death, which the monks mistakenly believed they had achieved.[25] (3) The state of enlightenment in Buddhism, representing the ultimate spiritual achievement where one is free from depravities and suffering.[26] (4) The ultimate goal in Buddhism representing the state of having achieved enlightenment; novice monk Pandita reaches this on the eighth day of his practice.[27] (5) The state attained by Queen Khema at the end of the discourse, marking her as a worthy disciple who has achieved significant enlightenment.[28]
From: Cetasikas
(1) The final stage of enlightenment in Buddhism, where all defilements are eradicated, and one fully realizes the teachings of the Buddha.[29] (2) The attainment of a state in which one has eradicated all ignorance and conditions for rebirth, achieving complete liberation.[30] (3) Arhatship is the final stage of enlightenment where an individual has completely eradicated all defilements and attained perfect peace.[31] (4) The state of having eradicated all conceit, achieved by an arhat in Buddhist practice.[32]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The state of having attained enlightenment and freedom from the cycle of birth and death.[33]
From: Milindapanha (questions of King Milinda)
(1) The state of enlightenment achieved when one has fully realized the teachings and reached liberation.[34]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) A state of enlightenment and liberation from the cycle of rebirth, which Sumangala ultimately attained.[35] (2) The state of having attained enlightenment and liberated from the cycles of rebirth.[36] (3) The state of a person who has attained enlightenment and is free from the cycle of rebirth.[37] (4) The attainment of a state of perfect enlightenment that Upasena achieved, indicative of spiritual accomplishment.[38]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) The state of having attained enlightenment and liberation from the cycle of rebirth in Buddhism, which was a goal achieved by many figures in the hierarchy.[39] (2) A state of enlightenment attained by several of the Buddha's disciples.[40]
Jain concept of 'Arhatship'
Arhatship in Jainism signifies the essential realization attained by Arhats, representing spiritual achievement and liberation, marking a pivotal state in the pursuit of enlightenment within the Jain tradition.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) The foundational state of realization for all Arhats, embodying the essence of spiritual attainment and emancipation.[41]
The concept of Arhatship in local and regional sources
Arhatship signifies a liberated state from the cycle of birth and death, achieved through dedicated spiritual practice, exemplifying the ultimate goal for practitioners, including the aspirational journey of householders' sons who reach this profound realization.
From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)
(1) A state of freedom from the cycle of birth and death achieved through spiritual practice.[42] (2) The goal that the householder's son aspired to and attained after intense practice.[43]