Definition

Noun: A Buddhist who has attained nirvana; one who has achieved enlightenment and liberation from the cycle of rebirth (samsara). In Theravada Buddhism, this term denotes a perfected person who has destroyed all defilements and will not be reborn.

Usage

The word "arhant" is a specialized religious term used primarily in discussions of Buddhism, its philosophy, and its spiritual goals. It refers to the highest ideal of spiritual attainment for a follower of the Theravada tradition.

Examples

• The teachings describe the path to becoming an arhant.
• He was revered by the community as an arhant.
• The goal of their practice was to reach the state of an arhant.

Advanced Usage

• The Arhant Ideal: This phrase is used in comparative religious studies to contrast the Theravada Buddhist goal of personal liberation (arhantship) with the Mahayana Buddhist ideal of the bodhisattva, who postpones full nirvana to help all beings.
• In classical texts, an arhant is said to possess specific qualities, such as the "three knowledges" and freedom from all ten "fetters" that bind one to existence.

Variants and Related Words

• Arhat: The more common Sanskrit spelling of the same term.
• Arahant: The Pali language spelling, frequently used in Theravada Buddhist contexts.
• Arhantship (noun): The state or condition of being an arhant.

Synonyms

• Perfected one
• Worthy one (This is a direct translation of the term.)
• Liberated one
• Saint (In a specific Buddhist context, though this carries Christian connotations.)

Notes on Different Meanings

"Arhant" is a term with a very specific meaning in Buddhist doctrine. It does not have common secular meanings or idioms. Its usage is almost entirely confined to religious, philosophical, and academic contexts.

Noun

1. a Buddhist who has attained nirvana