The Arahant in Buddhism & The Boddhisattva’s Way

For the first time ever, I have heard that Arahantship in Buddhism is possible in this lifetime. This is complete enlightenment. I find it fascinating that I had never heard this was indeed case in this lifetime, despite it being written in the scriptures. Whilst I have sought out information about this subject extensively, there I was being told by a well-educated Buddhist esoteric that my belief that it was rarely possible for one to attain, to be unfounded and incorrect. Fantastic news, which has not fallen on deaf ears! Perhaps there is a certain time in one’s life to hear something with accuracy for good reason.

In Theravada Buddhism, there are four stages of enlightenment. My Burmese teacher, Sayadaw U Pandita, taught me in my younger years that the first stage was absolutely possible in this lifetime. A true gift to hear this.

First stage enlightenment is called stream entry enlightenment.

Second stage enlightenment is called a once-returner.

Third stage enlightenment is called non-returner.

Fourth stage in Buddhism is an arhat (Sanskrit) or arahant (Pali). This is one who has gained insight into the true nature of existence and has achieved Nirvana. One is then completely liberated from the endless cycle of rebirth. An arahant is one who has ended all of their own suffering.

It is taught that an arahant must go on to become a bodhisattva eventually and help others discover the Dharma, the path, the truth, the way to find liberation.

If the arahant fails to do so in the lifetime in which they reach enlightenment, they will fall into a deep samādhi of emptiness. They will then need to be roused when they become ready to be taught the bodhisattva’s way. This is the path of tremendous compassion for others, with the dual aim of relieving suffering and attaining liberation for all. Their focus remains on others rather than trying to make things better for oneself. It is coupled with the insight into the impermanence and emptiness of all naturally arising phenomena, the world of appearances and forms, which an unenlightened individual accepts as the only reality. The Bodhisattva sees through the illusory nature of all existence, Maya.

Bodhisattvas are enlightened beings who have postponed their own nirvana, putting off entering paradise and chosen to take rebirth in order to serve humanity.

A bodhisattva (Pāli: bodhisatta) refers to someone who has made a resolution to become a Buddha and has also received a confirmation or prediction from a living Buddha that this will be so (Drewes, 2017).

If you have read this far, this message is also meant for you to hear. I always pray that all nearby students of the dharma that I cross on my path will find the liberation they seek.

Never give up on liberation in this lifetime. Remain completely dedicated and devoted only to this task. All is provided for you exactly as you are ready. All happens for you and not to you.

With Metta,
Celia Roberts