The study of Arhantī mainly discussed the achievements by bhikṣuṇī who were just as impressive as Arhant in ancient India when the prevailing mind-set was that men were superior to women. Buddha believed then that women were equally perceptive as men in understanding the very nature of Buddhist teachings, although the environment then was unfavorable to women, so he opened a way for the female followers. The bhikṣuṇī defied such environment and worked their way up through overcoming myriad obstacles and passing test after test, eventually achieving the competence of arhant. Arhant represents the highest stage of achievement and the profoundest perception of Buddhist teachings, which every Buddhist aims. The main thrust of arhant is a thorough discussion of " catuḥ-āgama-sūtra " by first defining and presenting arhant through their own testimonies, thus inducing respect for arhant practitioners. The Buddhist classic " Therīgāthā " is the only existing Chinese translation among Theravada Buddhism which thoroughly discussed the process of how arhantikā eventually "rectified the mind and understood the teachings". Some arhantikā understood after only slight enlightenment because of arhantikā inborn intelligence and inclination for Buddhism. Some decided to accept Buddhist teachings after having been through the ups and downs of human life. Some had always adhered strictly to Buddhist teachings. Some were absolutely eloquent in their debates and discussions about Buddhist teachings. Some insisted upon living through hardship so as to fully appreciate the real meaning of Buddhist teachings. There was, however, one thing in common among all the arhantikā: they were equally competent as Arhantī ; and all bhikṣuṇī shared a common unstoppable determination to pursue the way and the teachings, whatever the circumstances or surroundings.
