Shravaka

Shravaka (Pali: Savaka) refers to a disciple who hears the Buddha’s teachings and strives for personal liberation as an arhat.

Overview

Shravakas are one of the three types of Buddhist practitioners, along with pratyekabuddhas and bodhisattvas. They seek individual nirvana through the hearer’s path.

Philosophical Context

In Mahayana literature, the shravaka path is considered inferior to the bodhisattva path, which aims at full Buddhahood for the benefit of all beings. However, Theravada tradition regards the arhat path as the original teaching.

Interpretations

Shravakas follow the Four Noble Truths and achieve liberation in stages. The Theravada tradition emphasizes this path as the direct teaching of the Buddha.

Verification Notes

• Disciple who seeks personal liberation
• One of the three vehicle paths in Buddhism
• Considered the hearer’s path