The Theravada Ideal:The Arahat / Arahant

The Goals

The Arahat• The Arahat is the Theravadin ideal• All Theravadin Buddhists would like to become

an Arahat• An Arahat is an enlightened monk – they will not

be reborn when they die• It takes many rebirths to reach the stage where

one will become an Arahat in this lifetime• It takes a lifetime of dedication and study as a

monk to reach this stage• Few monks become Arahats

Implications for Lay People• Lay people = ordinary members of the community• Ordained people = monks and nuns• Lay people in Theravada Buddhism are VERY unlikely to

become enlightened• The best they can aim for is a better rebirth to get closer to

being able to become an Arahat• They do this by accumulating positive kamma (they might

become monks or nuns temporarily, and they will help the ordained community by providing food and clothing, etc)

• They would not expect to progress in “leaps and bounds” – enlightenment is a very distant goal.

• Enlightenment in Theravada Buddhism is a largely personal goal – ultimately you have to ‘do it’ on your own.