[I]n Nikāya Buddhism, an arhat is not seen as equal to a buddha. An arhat only equals a buddha in the sense that they have both achieved nirvāṇa. Differing from a buddha, an arhat does not try to benefit others through teaching, and an arhat understands completely that his existence is far below the existence of a buddha. Therefore, the followers of Nikāya Buddhism do not believe that they can become buddhas and do not desire to become buddhas. In their belief system it would be extremely arrogant for them to presume that they can become buddhas.