Bodhisattva and Arhat

1. Bodhisattva and Arhat The Buddhist Ideal

2. Arhat • Theravada tradition • Means: One who has conquered his mind • Enlightened being • Free from greed, hatred and ignorance • Wise and compassionate being • Always male and a monk • Has made a solitary journey to enlightenment • Will not be reborn into Samsara • Enters pari nibbana after death, cannot be contacted to help others

3. Bodhisattva • Mahayana tradition • Enlightened being • Free from greed, hatred and ignorance • A wise and compassionate being • Can be female (Tara) • Can be lay person or monk • Takes a vow to continue to be reborn into Samsara until all sentient beings have become enlightened • Can be called on to help others on the Path

4. Similarities • Both Arhats and bodhisattvas are beings who have conquered all desire • They comprehend the true nature of reality • They act with compassion towards others • They help lay and monastic Buddhists understand scriptures and other teachings • They are supported by, and support the laity

5. Differences • The arhat has achieved enlightenment on his own and for his own sake • His major focus has been on the scriptures and teachings of the Buddha • He has followed a very strict solitary path • Bodhisattva has achieved enlightenment for the sake of others as well as himself • He will be reborn into a body that will suffer and die • Has not followed the Path as strictly as the arhat • More focus on practice in the bodhisattva path