Keyword #11 Śrāvaka

In this episode, Martino talks about the Buddhist keyword "śrāvaka," literally a “hearer” of the Buddha’s teachings. In Buddhism, this term refers to a direct disciple of the Buddha, one who aims to attain personal liberation by listening to the Buddha’s teachings and following the path of an arhat. Śrāvakas are often contrasted with bodhisattvas in the Mahāyāna due to their focus on personal liberation rather than universal enlightenment.

Discussed in this episode: śrāvaka. Buddhist texts depict śrāvakas as foundational figures in the dissemination of the Buddha’s mainstream teachings. Their role in early Buddhist communities was that of preserving and transmitting the Dharma. The śrāvaka path emphasizes the attainment of arhathood, where an individual attains nirvāṇa through their own efforts, primarily by listening to and practicing the Buddha’s teachings.

Detailed show notes: https://www.martinodibeltuloconcu.com/enlightenment-legacies/keywords