Bodhisattva and ArhatBodhisattva and Arhat

The Buddhist IdealThe Buddhist Ideal

ArhatArhat

Theravada traditionTheravada tradition Means: One who has conquered his mindMeans: One who has conquered his mind Enlightened beingEnlightened being Free from greed, hatred and ignoranceFree from greed, hatred and ignorance Wise and compassionate beingWise and compassionate being Always male and a monkAlways male and a monk Has made a solitary journey to enlightenment Has made a solitary journey to enlightenment Will not be reborn into SamsaraWill not be reborn into Samsara Enters pari nibbana after death, cannot be contacted to Enters pari nibbana after death, cannot be contacted to

help othershelp others

BodhisattvaBodhisattva

Mahayana traditionMahayana tradition Enlightened beingEnlightened being Free from greed, hatred and ignoranceFree from greed, hatred and ignorance A wise and compassionate beingA wise and compassionate being Can be female (Tara)Can be female (Tara) Can be lay person or monkCan be lay person or monk Takes a vow to continue to be reborn into Samsara until Takes a vow to continue to be reborn into Samsara until

all sentient beings have become enlightenedall sentient beings have become enlightened Can be called on to help others on the PathCan be called on to help others on the Path

SimilaritiesSimilarities

Both Arhats and bodhisattvas are beings who have Both Arhats and bodhisattvas are beings who have conquered all desireconquered all desire

They comprehend the true nature of realityThey comprehend the true nature of reality They act with compassion towards othersThey act with compassion towards others They help lay and monastic Buddhists understand They help lay and monastic Buddhists understand

scriptures and other teachingsscriptures and other teachings They are supported by, and support the laityThey are supported by, and support the laity

DifferencesDifferences

The arhat has achieved enlightenment on his own and The arhat has achieved enlightenment on his own and for his own sakefor his own sake

His major focus has been on the scriptures and His major focus has been on the scriptures and teachings of the Buddhateachings of the Buddha

He has followed a very strict solitary pathHe has followed a very strict solitary path Bodhisattva has achieved enlightenment for the sake of Bodhisattva has achieved enlightenment for the sake of

others as well as himselfothers as well as himself He will be reborn into a body that will suffer and dieHe will be reborn into a body that will suffer and die Has not followed the Path as strictly as the arhatHas not followed the Path as strictly as the arhat More focus on practice in the bodhisattva pathMore focus on practice in the bodhisattva path