From Rigpa Wiki The Sanskrit word shravaka, means 'one who hears
and proclaims'. There are two explanations for this: - The first
explanation is that the shravakas first hear the instructions
from the Buddha on teachings such as the four noble truths or
the twelve links of interdependent origination, and then through
reflecting and meditating on these instructions they attain
their fruition of arhathood. Once they attain this fruition,
they proclaim this to others by saying, "What was to be done has
been done! I will know no further existences!" and so on. - The
second is that the sharavakas receive or hear teachings on the
mahayana from the Buddha, and although they do not practise them
themselves, they retain them with their infallible memories.
Then, when they meet those they consider to be suitable vessels
for the mahayana, they proclaim the teachings which they have
memorized. - Auditor (D. Seyfort Ruegg) - Disciple (Geshe
Thupten Jinpa) - Pious Attendant - Alex Trisoglio (ed.),
Introduction to the Middl