Arhat

[ ahr-huh t ]

/ ˈɑr hət /

noun

a Buddhist who has attained Nirvana through rigorous discipline and ascetic practices.Compare Bodhisattva.

Also Ar·hant

[ahr-huh nt] /ˈɑr hənt/.

Origin of Arhat

1865–70; < Sanskrit: meriting respect, derivative of arhati (he) merits

Related forms

Ar·hat·ship, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for arhat

In many respects the virtues of the Bodhisattva are those of the Arhat.
Hinduism And Buddhism, Volume II. (of 3)|Charles Eliot
Be it noted, however, that such canonization was never accorded to an Arhat till after his departure from the world.
Buddhism, In its Connexion With Brahmanism and Hinduism, and In Its Contrast with Christianity|Sir Monier Monier-Williams
The life of an Arhat which includes the strictest morality is commended on its own account as the best and happiest existence.
Hinduism and Buddhism, Vol I. (of 3)|Charles Eliot
With the death of an arhat comes the state known as an-updi-sesa-nibbnam in which no skandhas remain.
Hinduism and Buddhism, Vol I. (of 3)|Charles Eliot

He who satisfied the usual requirements of Saintship received the rank of an Arhat in both systems.
Buddhism, In its Connexion With Brahmanism and Hinduism, and In Its Contrast with Christianity|Sir Monier Monier-Williams

British Dictionary definitions for arhat

arhat

/ (ˈɑːhət) /

noun

a Buddhist, esp a monk who has achieved enlightenment and at death passes to nirvanaCompare Bodhisattva

Word Origin for arhat

from Sanskrit: worthy of respect, from arhati he deserves

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012