Bodhisattva and Arhat The Buddhist Ideal

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

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

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

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