I remember once in a temple, I heard someone commenting that a lady there was an arahant. An Arahant or the worthy or noble one is someone who has attained enlightenment as a result of listening to and practising the teachings of Buddha. An arahant has perfect wisdom and compassion and is not subject to rebirth. I'm not sure if an Arahant is the same as Arhat but the latter is the final stage of enlightenment. According to Early Buddhism, there are four stages of enlightenment, namely Sotāpanna, Sakadāgāmi, Anāgāmi, and Arahant. The Sotāpanna is free from identity view, attachment to rites and rituals and doubt about the teachings of Buddha. Since Sotāpanna is also known as Stream-enterer, I suppose it's the first step to Buddhahood. Now, have you begun your journey to enlightenment?
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