The Sutra of the Compendium of Fathers and Sons: A Discourse (CCXIX)

The Difference Between Arhats and Bodhisattvas

The nirvana realized by Arhats occurs after the extinction of the five aggregates of the physical body, where the physical form no longer arises. The body is reduced to ashes and wisdom is extinguished. They neither continue to study the Dharma nor bring benefit and joy to sentient beings. Their compassion is meager; they have no desire to attain Buddhahood themselves, nor can they guide sentient beings to collectively achieve Buddhahood. Therefore, the nirvana without residue attained by Arhats is not ultimate. The most ultimate nirvana is the non-abiding nirvana realized by the Buddha, who never abandons any sentient being.

The mental conduct of Bodhisattvas differs from that of Arhats. Although capable of entering nirvana without residue, they do not enter it. Life after life, they cultivate and realize the Dharma within the three realms, continually benefiting themselves while simultaneously guiding and benefiting sentient beings. Thus, Bodhisattvas are more noble than Arhats, more compassionate than Arhats, possess greater wisdom than Arhats, and wield more vast supernatural powers than Arhats.