arhatship

Arhatship is the state or condition of having attained liberation from the cycle of birth and death (samsara) by realizing nirvana. The term arhat comes from Sanskrit arhata and Pali arahant, literally meaning “worthy one.” In this sense, arhatship denotes the realization of complete, unconditioned freedom from the defilements that drive cyclic existence.

In Theravada and early Buddhist traditions, arhatship is the central ideal of liberation. An arhat has eradicated greed, hatred, and delusion, cultivated ethical discipline, concentration, and wisdom, and is free from further rebirth after death in parinirvana. Attainment is described as the culmination of the Noble Eightfold Path and the Four Noble Truths, with liberation experienced through insight into the true nature of phenomena and the ending of craving.

In Mahayana Buddhism, arhatship is typically viewed as one attainable realization among others, but not the ultimate goal. The Bodhisattva path, which aims for full Buddhahood for the benefit of all beings, is often emphasized as the broader ideal. Arhats are respected for their liberation and insight, yet some Mahayana schools criticize the arhat ideal as potentially limited when contrasted with the universal compassion and wisdom emphasized in the bodhisattva ideal. Nonetheless, arahants are acknowledged within Mahayana as genuine liberators who have achieved substantial realization.

Across Buddhist traditions, arhatship signifies the attainment of liberation, the ending of personal suffering, and the transition to a parinirvanta at death, while interpretations and emphasis vary between Śrāvaka/Pratyekabuddha-influenced paths and the Bodhisattva-centric Mahayana framework.