The Theravada ideal of the ArhatPali ArahantSanskrit ArhatTibetan dgrabcompaJapanese RakanChinese Lo - han

The ArhatThis is a person in Theravada Buddhism who has extinguished all defilements (asrava) and all afflictions (klesa)It is the goal of the Theravada faithAt death, the Arhat enters nibbana (nirvana) and will not be reborn againThey are known as The worthy ones although often castigated in Mahayana for treading the path alone

The ArhatThey might be classed as worthy of respect because they have attained a high level of spiritual developmentAn expression in the Tipitaka is one who has laid down the burden The figure of the Lo han became widely popular In East Asia, particularly in Chan because it emphasised personal striving for liberation

The ArhatIn Theravada Buddhism, the Buddha himself is first named as an arahat, as were his enlightened followers, since he is without greed, hatred and delusion.During the lifetime of the Buddha, many of his disciples became Arhats. Among them were the first five monks like Shariputra, Maudgalyayana and the Buddhas own father, Shuddhodana.

The ArhatAs said, the Arhat is the Perfected one who has overcome the impurities of desire, greed and hatred (akusala).At the end of the present life, he is no longer reborn.He is, therefore, finally freed from the suffering of existence in the cycle of birth, death and rebirth, and attains Nibbana (Nirvana).

The ArhatWhen a person realises that there is no lasting happiness and freedom whenever he may be reborn within the cycle, he can strive to attain Nibbana. The Theravada route is the way of the ArhatThis way is what we already know as the three trainings on the Eightfold Path i.e.:- panna (prajna) wisdom; sila (morality or good conduct) and samadhi (mental development)

The ArhatPanna wisdomLike a sharpened knife that can cut easily through a solid object, the concentrated mind is able to see things as they really are.The development of insight is a gradual process, like learning to ride a bike. Wisdom is more than just knowledge, it is the application of knowledge and the motivation or intention behind our actions that is wisdom.

The ArhatSila MoralityThe would be Arhat achieves purity of the three types of action ofi) Bodyii) Speech and iii) MindObservance of the Five PreceptsPerfecting the Five Wholesome Truths or positive moral qualities.

The ArhatSamadhi Mind developmentThere are various methods by which a would be Arhat gradually disciplines and controls his mindTwo of the most well known arei) Mindfulness of the bodyIi) Mindfulness of the process of breathingWhen a would be Arhat is walking, he is simply aware of the fact that he is walking; when a would be Arhat is sitting, he is simply aware of the fact that he is sitting.

The Four stages of becoming an Arhat1. Stream winner or enterer2. Once returner3. Non returner4. An Arhat

The Four stages of becoming an ArhatProgress on the path of the Arhat is measured by the persons ability to weaken or eliminate the Ten Fetters (sins) which bind him to the cycle of births, deaths and rebirths and which keep him from attaining nibbana.There are four recognisable stages which mark his progress along the path.

The Four stages of becoming an ArhatThe Stream winner or entererThis is the first stage i.e. one who has entered the stream that eventually leads to the ocean of nibbana.When he is at this stage, his insight is powerful enough to remove the first three fetters:-

The Four stages of becoming an Arhat1. The belief in the existence of a permanent self.2. Doubt in the ability of the Triple Gem to lead him towards he goal.3. The mistaken belief that moral rules and ascetic rites alone are sufficient to lead a person towards enlightenment.N.B. On attaining this stage, the Arhat would no longer be reborn in any of the lower realms of existence (see the Tibetan Wheel of Life).He will also be reborn no more than seven times in the human or heavenly realms before he attains nibbana.

The Four stages of becoming an ArhatThe Once ReturnerAs he makes further progress and perfects his insight more, he reaches this second stage.After this, he will be reborn only once more as a human being.In that rebirth, he would attain nibbana.At this stage , he has also succeeded in weakening the fourth and fifth fetters:4. Attachment to sensual desire5.Ill will

The Four stages of becoming an ArhatThe Non returnerThis is the third stageAt this stage, he completely removes the fourth and fifth fetters and will no longer be reborn in the human realm.He will be reborn in one of the pure abodes in the heavens where he will attain nibbana.At this stage, the first five fetters have been totally removed.

The Four stages of becoming an ArhatThe ArhatThis is the fourth and last stageHe makes his final advance to Arhatship a perfect oneHe attains nibbana because he has broken the remaining five fetters which are:-

The Four stages of becoming an Arhat6.Desire for existence in the world of forms7.Desire for existence in the formless worlds8.Conceit9.Restlessness10.Ignorance

Conclusion to the ArhatThe career of the Arhat is like that of a student.Development is measured by the highest stage he has achieved so farEach student will increase their mastery of the subjects and skills associated with these at each stage until the highest level is achievedIn the same way, an Arhat overcomes more and more of the fetters at each stage of his development.When he successful passes the fourth stage, he reaches the end of his career and is no longer subject to rebirth