How Do You Spell SRAVAKA?

Pronunciation: [ˈɛsɹavˈɑːkə] (IPA)

The word "sravaka" is a term used in Buddhism to refer to a disciple who has achieved enlightenment. Its phonetic transcription in IPA is [sɹəˈvɑːkə]. The spelling of "sravaka" can be tricky for English speakers as it contains several sounds that are not commonly found in the English language. For instance, the 'r' sound in "sravaka" is pronounced differently from the English 'r' sound. Instead of being pronounced with the tip of the tongue, the 'r' in "sravaka" is pronounced with the back of the tongue.

SRAVAKA Meaning and Definition

1. Sravaka is a term derived from ancient Indian Buddhism, specifically from the Sanskrit language. In Buddhist philosophy, a sravaka is commonly referred to as a "disciple" or "hearer." It refers to an individual who follows the teachings of the Buddha and seeks to attain liberation from suffering.

   The sravaka is often characterized as someone who listens attentively to the Buddha's sermons and diligently practices the path he prescribed. Their primary aim is to achieve arhatship, which is the state of enlightenment marked by liberation from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara) and the complete eradication of defilements and ignorance.

   The sravakas are considered vital in the Buddhist community as both learners and practitioners. They rely on the Buddha's teachings and strive to lead a virtuous life by observing ethical precepts known as sila, cultivating mindfulness and meditation, and promoting kindness and compassion towards all beings. The sravaka path is largely based on personal effort, self-discipline, and the pursuit of wisdom through introspection and contemplation.

   Though the term sravaka originally referred to the early Buddhist disciples who lived during the time of the historical Buddha, it has come to represent all individuals who dedicate themselves to the practice of Buddhism, regardless of the historical period. Hence, sravakas continue to be respected for their commitment to the Buddha's teachings and their aspirations for spiritual growth and liberation.

Common Misspellings for SRAVAKA

• aravaka
• zravaka
• xravaka
• dravaka
• eravaka
• wravaka
• seavaka
• sdavaka
• sfavaka
• stavaka
• s5avaka
• s4avaka
• srzvaka
• srsvaka
• srwvaka
• srqvaka
• sracaka
• srabaka
• sragaka
• srafaka

Etymology of SRAVAKA

The word "śrāvaka" derives from the Sanskrit language, which is an ancient Indo-Aryan language. In Sanskrit, "śrāvaka" (श्रावक) is formed from the root word "śrāv" which means "to hear" or "to listen". The suffix "-aka" is added to form the noun, thus creating "śrāvaka" which can be translated as "the one who listens" or "hearer" in English.

In Buddhism, "śrāvaka" refers to the disciples of the Buddha who have attained enlightenment through listening to his teachings. They are considered the initial followers of the Buddha and are often referred to as the "Hinayana" or "Theravada" Buddhists.