Definition

Noun: A person, specifically within Buddhism, who has achieved the highest level of spiritual attainment, the state of nirvana, and is therefore freed from the cycle of rebirth (samsara). An arhat is considered a "worthy one" or a "perfected person" who has eradicated all defilements and ignorance.

Usage

The term is used exclusively in Buddhist contexts to refer to an individual who has reached the final goal of the path of enlightenment as defined in early Buddhist schools, particularly Theravada Buddhism. - The teachings describe the qualities of an arhat. - After years of meditation, she was revered as an arhat.

Advanced Usage

• In Mahayana Buddhist texts, the ideal of the arhat is sometimes contrasted with that of the bodhisattva, who postpones full nirvana to help all beings achieve enlightenment.
• The term can be used in a doctrinal or historical sense when discussing the stages of spiritual attainment.

Variants and Related Words

• Arhathood (noun): The state or condition of being an arhat.
• Arhatship (noun): Synonym for arhathood.

Synonyms

• Arahant (Pali language equivalent)
• Perfected one
• Worthy one
• Saint (in a specific Buddhist context)

Different Meanings

This word has no significantly different common meanings outside of its specific Buddhist religious context.

Noun

1. a Buddhist who has attained nirvana