arhat

A term used primarily in Theravada Buddhism to signify a person who has fulfilled its ultimate goal, the attainment of nirvana . Upon death, the arhat will become extinguished. The arhat, as an individual, has attained full enlightenment , peace and freedom. This should be contrasted to Mahayana Buddhism, in which the ultimate goal is to become a bodhisattva --someone who uses the power they gain from enlightenment to help others.