The Arahat and Social Affiliation

Abstract

<p>The thesis is an examination of the relationship between social affiliation and spiritual achievement in the Pali canon. It begins by describing the meaning and use of the word 'arahat', the term used in the canon to designate one who has achieved spiritual perfection. It then analyzes the canonical references to caste distinctions, concluding that caste affiliation is irrelevant to spiritual achievement. Finally, it examines the purpose and standards of membership in the samgha, and concludes that although membership in the samgha is not a requirement for arahatship, it is nevertheless considered the single most important form of social affiliation on the path to arahatship.</p>