Journal of Interdisciplinary History and Human Societies
Bodhisattva vs. Arahant: An Analysis of Buddhist Traditions
Abstract
Candauda Arachchige Saliya
The question of whether the realization of a Bodhisattva is higher than that of an Arahant is a significant and complex issue in Buddhist philosophy. This paper explores the doctrinal differences between Theravāda and Mahāyāna Buddhism, focusing on the contrasting ideals of the Arahant and the Bodhisattva. The Arahant represents the ideal of individual liberation, having achieved Nirvana in this life, while the Bodhisattva embraces a path of altruism, deferring personal enlightenment to assist others on their journey to liberation. This paper examines the philosophical underpinnings of these ideals and their implications for Buddhist practice. It argues that the debate over spiritual superiority is not about hierarchy but about differing emphases on the role of the practitioner in the larger context of the Buddha’s teachings. Through this analysis, the paper contributes to a deeper understanding of the diverse paths within Buddhist traditions and challenges the notion of spiritual supremacy between these two paths.
This essay also explores the spiritual landscape of ancient India prior to the emergence of Buddhism, focusing on the ascetic traditions that sought liberation through severe austerities, metaphysical speculation, and devotion to deities. It compares the beliefs and practices of these pre-Buddhist ascetics with the revolutionary teachings of the Buddha.
Key traditions such as the Vedic Brahmins, the �?rama�?a movement (including the Ajivikas, Jains, and Materialists), and the views of Siddhartha Gautama’s early teachers are examined. The Buddha’s rejection of extreme asceticism in favor of the Middle Way, along with his teachings on anatta (no-self), karma, and ethical responsibility, is highlighted as a radical departure from the prevailing spiritual norms. This analysis demonstrates how the Buddha’s insights provided a balanced, accessible path to enlightenment that contrasted sharply with the deterministic and ritualistic approaches of his contemporaries, marking a transformative shift in the spiritual traditions of ancient India.