On August 3, 2025, during a profound live session with Dr. Savera and Datuk Dr. Lim Siow Jin, the discussion turned to a teaching from Ekotara Agama 22.1. In this discourse, delivered while residing at Jetavana in the Anāthapiṇḍika’s ashrama, the Buddha identified three kinds of individuals whom the world should honour, support, and revere:
- The Tathāgata – the Fully Enlightened One
- The Arhat – the Perfected Disciple
- The Chakravartin Raja – the Righteous Universal Monarch
The Tathāgata – The Fully Enlightened One
The Tathāgata, the Buddha himself, stands as a singular figure in the world. He is the one who attains perfect enlightenment (Sammā-sambodhi) through his own deep insight and perseverance. What sets him apart is his rediscovery of Dharma in times when truth and virtue have faded.
Out of boundless compassion, the Tathāgata teaches the path to liberation—not for personal gain, but for the welfare of all beings. His teachings provide the foundation for ethics, meditation, and wisdom. To honour the Tathāgata is to honour the embodiment of truth, a guiding light that dispels ignorance, greed, and hatred, and illuminates the way toward freedom.
The Arhat – The Perfected Disciple
An Arhat is a perfected disciple who has eradicated all defilements (āsravas)—including ignorance, craving, and ego—and attained liberation. Unlike the Tathāgata, the Arhat achieves awakening through the Buddha’s guidance, yet their realization is equally complete.
The life of an Arhat reflects detachment, serenity, and unshakable peace. Though they may not teach as the Buddha does, their very presence serves as living proof that liberation is attainable. To honour an Arhat is to acknowledge that freedom from suffering is not distant—it is possible here and now.
The Chakravartin Raja – The Righteous Universal Monarch
The third figure revered in this teaching is the Chakravartin Raja, the righteous universal monarch. Such a leader governs with Dharma, ensuring peace, justice, and harmony for all. Arising out of compassion, the Chakravartin Raja dedicates his rule to the welfare and happiness of many.
Supporting such a leader is not merely reverence—it is recognition of their role in preserving virtue, sustaining wisdom, and guiding society toward collective well-being.
Conclusion
The teaching of Ekotara Agama 22-1 beautifully illustrates three kinds of individuals who embody truth, liberation, and righteousness. Together, they represent the highest ideals of wisdom, compassion, and leadership. To honour them is to recognize the timeless values that nurture both individual awakening and collective harmony.
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