Transcript Bodhisattva and Arhat

Bodhisattva and Arhat
The Buddhist Ideal
Arhat
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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
Bodhisattva
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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
Similarities
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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
Differences
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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