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To give a simple analysis of the mind state of the Arahant, it finds expression not only in the Buddhist Psalms but also in the whole Buddhist canon (writings). The four qualities of the Arahant which stand out most prominently are (1) peace, (2) freedom, (3) joy, and (4) insight. The first of these is most commonly and the most specifically emphasized, as an experience. Nirvana in this lifetime means mostly the attainment of spiritual peace. It means being delivered from the fear of death and all lesser fears. True spiritual peace also means having equanimity where one sees all living beings equally.

This peace is very much connected with spiritual freedom, because one has become a master of the senses and mind and the true Arahant is content knowing that he or she has overcome many great temptations.

The third quality of the Arahant is joy. Spiritual joy is closely connected, also, with spiritual freedom and peace. Buddhist scholars have found fewer expressions of pure and intense joy among Buddhist saints than one might find in a similar group of Christian saints.

This is simply because Buddhist joy is more of a “restrained” joy that is mostly unemotional and more intellectual. Yet, the mild serenity of the Buddhist master or saint is definitely present and does “shine through” and followers of such men and women can definitely perceive that these great souls are gracious and are filled with a mystical joy that is extremely “inward”.

Aristotle once wrote that “all men by nature desire knowledge” and to see the truth of our existence “eye to eye” is one of the supreme satisfactions of life, and from this experience comes spiritual joy. The Buddhist insight in its highest form, is not merely intellectual, but rather is a mix of mysticism along with a true understanding of the Absolute Reality of things. This is not unrelated to what the great European Philosopher Spinoza called the “intellectual love of God.”

Finally, the true mark of the Arahant is of “not becoming”. Material life is mostly about the ego and a defined sense of being within time and space. This can only manifest due to “becoming”, however, the Arahant has overcome this and sees no need to become anything other that what “currently is” because “this is all there is”. One prayer of Ananda, Buddha’s cousin and first disciple, who attained the blessed state of Arahant, captures this spirit and contains profound words for us to contemplate:

The Master hath my faults and love,
And all the Buddha’s ordinances are done.
Low have I laid the heavy load I once bore,
The cause of rebirth in found in me no more.

Inspired Source: The Pilgrammage of Buddhism, by Dr. J.B. Pratt

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