Differences between the Arahant and Bodhisattva

The arahant and the bodhisattva represent two distinct ideals within Buddhist tradition, reflecting different approaches to liberation and spiritual aspiration. Both ultimately aim at the cessation of suffering, but they differ in emphasis, motivation, and vision.

In Theravāda Buddhism, the arahant embodies the completion of the Noble Eightfold Path. Having eradicated all defilements (kilesas) and severed the ten fetters (saṃyojana), the arahant is fully liberated from saṃsāra. The focus is on personal liberation through wisdom, ethical conduct, and meditative discipline, leading to nibbāna — the end of suffering and rebirth.

In contrast, the bodhisattva — central to Mahāyāna Buddhism — takes a vow to postpone final nibbāna in order to assist all beings in attaining liberation. Motivated by boundless compassion (karuṇā) and guided by profound wisdom (prajñā), the bodhisattva cultivates the six (or ten) perfections (pāramitās) across countless lifetimes, striving to become a fully awakened Buddha for the benefit of all.

While arahants achieve complete liberation for themselves, bodhisattvas aspire to universal liberation. The arahant’s path is often seen as faster and more solitary, while the bodhisattva path embraces endless patience, viewing all beings as intimately interconnected. However, both paths require profound renunciation, insight, and ethical purity.

Importantly, neither ideal negates the value of the other. Both represent authentic expressions of the Dhamma, adapted to the capacities and inclinations of different practitioners. Whether one follows the path of personal liberation or vows to serve all beings, the ultimate goal remains freedom from suffering and the full realisation of wisdom and compassion.

“As a mother would risk her life to protect her only child, even so should one cultivate a boundless heart toward all beings.”
— Metta Sutta, Sn 1.8