• In Buddhism, arhat refers to a perfected person who has gained insight into the true nature of existence and has achieved nirvana and thus has freed themselves from the cycle of rebirth.
  

In-Depth Information:

• Arhat is considered to be the proper goal of a Buddhist in Theravada Buddhism.
  
• It is believed that one must pass through three earlier stages of existence before being reborn in heaven as an Arhat.
  

Mahayana Criticism:

• Mahayana Buddhists have criticized the goal of becoming an arhat as selfish and considers the Bodhisattva to be a higher goal because the Bodhisattva remains in the cycle of rebirth to work for the good of others.