Grammatical Analysis
Arahat: [m.] an enlightened one; a liberated person; a saint. Etymologically broken down by commentaries into:
- Āraka (distant), meaning one who is far removed from defilements.
- Ari (enemies) + hata (slain), meaning one who has destroyed the internal enemies of defilements.
- Araha (worthy), meaning one who is fully worthy of receiving the highest offerings and veneration from devas and humans.
Orthodox Definition
An Arahat (or Arahant) is a person who has attained the absolute pinnacle of spiritual development in the Theravāda path. An Arahat has completely destroyed all ten fetters (saṃyojana), including the subtlest traces of conceit (māna), restlessness (uddhacca), and basic ignorance (avijjā).
As a non-learner (asekha), an Arahat has fully accomplished the holy life, laid down the burden, and eradicated all forms of latent defilements (asavakkhaya).
While an Arahat remains alive, they continue to experience sensory inputs and physical conditions, but their mind remains entirely unshakeable, free from greed, anger, or delusion. Crucially, the actions performed by an Arahat no longer generate karmic seeds (kamma-vipāka); their volitions are classified merely as functional actions (kiriya-citta). Upon the death of their physical body (anupādisesa-nibbāna), the process of rebirth ceases entirely.
Textual References
- Sutta: Kitāgiri Sutta (MN 70) – Clear technical definitions distinguishing the Arahat from those who are still learners (sekha).
- Canonical: Dhammapada (Arahanta Vagga - Chapter 9) – Exalting the pristine qualities and complete freedom of the enlightened ones.
- Commentary: Visuddhimagga (Chapter VII) – Comprehensive etymological and doctrinal exegesis on the attributes of an Arahat.