arhat; Buddhist saint who has achieved enlightenment
Meanings
1 sense · 4 examplesnoun
arhat; a Buddhist monk who has attained enlightenment, cut off all desires, and is liberated from afflictions
technicalIn Buddhism, specifically the Theravada tradition, the arhat represents the highest stage of spiritual attainment for a disciple (śrāvaka). The term is a transliteration of the Sanskrit 'arhat' or Pali 'arahant', meaning 'worthy one' or 'deserving one'. In Mahayana Buddhism, while respected, the arhat is considered inferior to a bodhisattva who vows to save all beings before entering nirvana.
This temple enshrines statues of the Eighteen Arhats.
In Buddhism, the arhat represents the highest stage of attainment in the śrāvaka vehicle.
Show 2 more examplesShow fewer examples
The Hall of Five Hundred Arhats is one of the most famous attractions in this monastery.
Arhat is a transliteration from Sanskrit, meaning 'worthy of offerings', 'slayer of thieves' (afflictions), and 'unborn' (free from rebirth).