Arhat

An arhat is a type of enlightened person in Buddhism. They have achieved enlightenment by following the teachings of a Buddha. Many of the Buddha's disciples became arhats. 

The importance of the arhat is different depending on the Buddhist school.  

The aim of becoming an arhat is to seek perfect calm and understanding in one's mind.  

Meaning
"Arhat" is a Sanskrit word. It means "someone who deserves to be to honored."Whitney, D. W. Roots, Verb-forms and Primary Derivatives of the Sanskrit Language

Theravada
The ultimate goal in Theravada Buddhism is to become an arhat. Someone who becomes an arhat is the same as someone who attains enlightenment. The Buddha is also sometimes called an "arhat."

Mahayana
In Mahayana Buddhism, bodhisattvas are seen as better than arhats. A bodhisattva will eventually become a Buddha, who can teach all living beings. An arhat can teach too, but only achieves enlightenment for him or herself.Williams, Paul. Buddhism. Vol. 3: The origins and nature of Mahāyāna Buddhism. Routledge. 2004. p. 119

Related pages
Buddha
Bodhisattva

References

Category:Buddhism
Category:Saints
Category:Buddhist terminology