The word "arhant" is often spelled differently due to the various transliterations from Sanskrit to English. However, the most commonly accepted spelling is "arhat". It is pronounced /ˈɑːrhæt/ in IPA phonetic transcription, with the stressed syllable being the first one. In Buddhist tradition, an arhat is someone who has achieved enlightenment and liberation from the cycle of reincarnation. Despite the variations in spelling, the significance and importance of the word remains the same in Buddhist philosophy.
An arhant, also spelled arahant, is a term originating from Buddhism that refers to an individual who has achieved enlightenment and attained a state of spiritual perfection. The word "arhant" is derived from the Sanskrit language, with "a" meaning "without" or "not," and "rhant" meaning "foe," implying a state of being free from enemies or adversaries.
In Buddhist philosophy, an arhant is considered to have completed the path to liberation and awakening, known as nirvana. They have eradicated all mental defilements, attachments, and ignorance that perpetuate the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, known as samsara. This achievement signifies that the arhant has attained the highest level of spiritual insight and supreme wisdom.
Arhants are regarded as role models and sources of inspiration in Buddhism, as they have achieved liberation by following the Buddha's teachings and fully realizing the Four Noble Truths. They possess unshakable tranquility, unconditional compassion, and unwavering moral conduct. An arhant is said to be free from desires, aversions, and delusions, having let go of earthly cravings and attachments.
This concept distinguishes the arhant from the bodhisattva, another important concept in Buddhism. While arhants primarily seek personal liberation, bodhisattvas aspire to attain buddhahood and commit themselves to helping others achieve enlightenment.
In summary, an arhant refers to an enlightened being in Buddhism who has extinguished all mental afflictions, reached a state of spiritual perfection, and liberated themselves from the cycle of rebirth.
The word "arhant" (also spelled "arahant") has its etymology rooted in the ancient Indian language of Pali, which is a Prakrit language closely related to Sanskrit.
In Pali, "arhant" is derived from the Sanskrit term "ārhat" or "ārhant", which means "deserving" or "worthy". The term is formed by combining the prefix "ā-" (which adds emphasis or intensity) with the root word "rhat" or "rhant", denoting someone who is deserving of honor or worthy of reverence.
In the Buddhist context, an "arhant" refers to an individual who has attained enlightenment or nirvana by following the teachings of the Buddha. They have achieved liberation from the cycle of birth and death, thereby reaching a state of ultimate spiritual fulfillment and wisdom.