Eighteen Arhats
Encyclopedia
The Eighteen Arhats are individuals depicted in Mahayana Buddhism who have followed the Eightfold Path
and attained the Four Stages of Enlightenment
, and are also the original followers of the Buddha
. They have reached the state of Nirvana
and are free of worldly cravings. They are charged to protect the Buddhist faith and to await on earth for the coming of Maitreya
, a prophesied enlightened Buddha to arrive on earth many millennia after Gautama Buddha's death and nirvana. In China, the eighteen arhats are also a popular subject of Buddhist art.
n sutras
indicate that only 4 of them, Pindola, Kundadhana, Panthaka and Nakula, were instructed to await the coming of Maitreya. Earliest Chinese representations of the arhats can be traced back to as early as the fourth century , and mainly focused on Pindola
who was popularized in art by the book Method for Inviting Pindola .
Later this number increased to 16 to include patriarchs and other spiritual adepts. Teachings about the Arhats eventually made their way to China
where they were called Luohan (羅漢, shortened from a-luo-han a Chinese transcription for Arhat), but it wasn't until 654 AD when the Nandimitrāvadāna , Record on the Duration of the Law, spoken by the Great arhat Nadimitra, was translated by Xuanzang
into Chinese that the names of these arhats were known. For some reason Kundadhana was dropped from this list.
Somewhere between the late Tang Dynasty
and early Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period of China two other Luohans were added to the roster increasing the number to 18.
But this depiction of having 18 Luohans only gained a foothold in China whereas other areas like Japan
continue to revere only sixteen
and whose roster differs somewhat. This depiction of having 18 instead of 16 Luohans continues into modern Chinese Buddhist traditions. A cult built around the Luohans as guardians of Buddhist faith gained momentum amongst Chinese Buddhists at the end of the ninth century for they had just been through a period a great persecution under the reign of Emperor Tang Wuzong. In fact the last two additions to this roster, Taming Dragon and Taming Tiger, are thinly veiled swipes against Taoism
.
in 891 AD who at the time was residing in Chengdu
. Legend has it that the 18 Luohans knew of Guan Xiu's expert calligraphy and painting skills they appeared to the monk in a dream to make a request that he paint their portraits.
The paintings depicted them as foreigners having bushy eyebrows, large eyes, hanging cheeks and high noses. They were seated in landscapes, leaning against pine trees and stones. An additional theme in these paintings were that they were portrayed as being unkempt and "eccentric" which emphasize that they were vagabonds and beggars who have left all worldly desires behind. When Guan Xiu was asked how he came up with the depictions, he answered: "It was in a dream that I saw these Gods and Buddhas. After I woke up, I painted what I saw in the dream. So, I guess I can refer to these Luohans as 'Luohans in a dream'." These portraits painted by Guan Xiu has become the definitive images for the 18 Luohans in Chinese Buddhist iconography, although in modern depiction they bear more Sinitic features and at the same time lost their exaggerated foreign features in exchange for more exaggerated expressions. The paintings were donated by Guan Xiu to the Shengyin Temple in Qiantang (present day Hangzhou
) where they are preserved with great care and ceremonious respect. Many prominent artists such as Wu Bin
and Ding Guanpeng
would later try to faithfully imitate the original paintings.
The Qianlong Emperor
was a great admirer of the Luohans and during his visit to see the paintings in 1757, Qianlong not only examined them closely but he also wrote a eulogy to each Luohan image. Copies of these eulogies were presented to the monastery and preserved. In 1764, Qianlong ordered that the paintings held at the Shengyin Monastery be reproduced and engraved onto stone tablets for preservation. These were mounted like facets into a marble stupa for public display. The temple was destroyed during the Taiping Rebellion
but copies of ink rubbing of the steles were preserved in and outside of China.
Noble Eightfold Path
The Noble Eightfold Path , is one of the principal teachings of the Buddha, who described it as the way leading to the cessation of suffering and the achievement of self-awakening. It is used to develop insight into the true nature of phenomena and to eradicate greed, hatred, and delusion...
and attained the Four Stages of Enlightenment
Four stages of enlightenment
The four stages of enlightenment in Buddhism are the four progressive stages culminating in full enlightenment as an Arahat, which an average, instructed person can attain in this life...
, and are also the original followers of the Buddha
Gautama Buddha
Siddhārtha Gautama was a spiritual teacher from the Indian subcontinent, on whose teachings Buddhism was founded. In most Buddhist traditions, he is regarded as the Supreme Buddha Siddhārtha Gautama (Sanskrit: सिद्धार्थ गौतम; Pali: Siddhattha Gotama) was a spiritual teacher from the Indian...
. They have reached the state of Nirvana
Nirvana
Nirvāṇa ; ) is a central concept in Indian religions. In sramanic thought, it is the state of being free from suffering. In Hindu philosophy, it is the union with the Supreme being through moksha...
and are free of worldly cravings. They are charged to protect the Buddhist faith and to await on earth for the coming of Maitreya
Maitreya
Maitreya , Metteyya , or Jampa , is foretold as a future Buddha of this world in Buddhist eschatology. In some Buddhist literature, such as the Amitabha Sutra and the Lotus Sutra, he or she is referred to as Ajita Bodhisattva.Maitreya is a bodhisattva who in the Buddhist tradition is to appear on...
, a prophesied enlightened Buddha to arrive on earth many millennia after Gautama Buddha's death and nirvana. In China, the eighteen arhats are also a popular subject of Buddhist art.
In China
Originally, the arhats composed of only 10 disciples of Gautama Buddha, although the earliest IndiaIndia
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
n sutras
Sutra
Sūtra is an aphorism or a collection of such aphorisms in the form of a manual. Literally it means a thread or line that holds things together and is derived from the verbal root siv-, meaning to sew , as does the medical term...
indicate that only 4 of them, Pindola, Kundadhana, Panthaka and Nakula, were instructed to await the coming of Maitreya. Earliest Chinese representations of the arhats can be traced back to as early as the fourth century , and mainly focused on Pindola
Pindola Bharadvaja
According to the earliest Indian sutra's Pindola Bharadvaja was one of four Arhats asked by the Buddha to remain in the world to propagate Buddhist law . Each of the four was associated with one of the four compass directions....
who was popularized in art by the book Method for Inviting Pindola .
Later this number increased to 16 to include patriarchs and other spiritual adepts. Teachings about the Arhats eventually made their way to China
China
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
where they were called Luohan (羅漢, shortened from a-luo-han a Chinese transcription for Arhat), but it wasn't until 654 AD when the Nandimitrāvadāna , Record on the Duration of the Law, spoken by the Great arhat Nadimitra, was translated by Xuanzang
Xuanzang
Xuanzang was a famous Chinese Buddhist monk, scholar, traveler, and translator who described the interaction between China and India in the early Tang period...
into Chinese that the names of these arhats were known. For some reason Kundadhana was dropped from this list.
Somewhere between the late Tang Dynasty
Tang Dynasty
The Tang Dynasty was an imperial dynasty of China preceded by the Sui Dynasty and followed by the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period. It was founded by the Li family, who seized power during the decline and collapse of the Sui Empire...
and early Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period of China two other Luohans were added to the roster increasing the number to 18.
But this depiction of having 18 Luohans only gained a foothold in China whereas other areas like Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
continue to revere only sixteen
Sixteen Arhats
The Sixteen Arhats are a group of legendary Arhats in Buddhism; holy men who were predecessors or disciples of the Buddha. The Sixteen Arhats are particular popular in Zen Buddhism, where they are treated as examples of behaviour...
and whose roster differs somewhat. This depiction of having 18 instead of 16 Luohans continues into modern Chinese Buddhist traditions. A cult built around the Luohans as guardians of Buddhist faith gained momentum amongst Chinese Buddhists at the end of the ninth century for they had just been through a period a great persecution under the reign of Emperor Tang Wuzong. In fact the last two additions to this roster, Taming Dragon and Taming Tiger, are thinly veiled swipes against Taoism
Taoism
Taoism refers to a philosophical or religious tradition in which the basic concept is to establish harmony with the Tao , which is the mechanism of everything that exists...
.
In Chinese Art
Because no historical records detailing how the Luohans looked like existed there were no distinguishing features to tell the Luohans apart in early Chinese depictions. The first portraits of the 18 Luohans was painted by the monk Guan XiuGuanxiu
Guanxiu was a celebrated Buddhist monk, painter, poet, and calligrapher. His greatest works date from the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period. The collapse of the central Tang government in 907, meant artists and craftsmen lost their most powerful patrons. The imperial tang court had inspired a...
in 891 AD who at the time was residing in Chengdu
Chengdu
Chengdu , formerly transliterated Chengtu, is the capital of Sichuan province in Southwest China. It holds sub-provincial administrative status...
. Legend has it that the 18 Luohans knew of Guan Xiu's expert calligraphy and painting skills they appeared to the monk in a dream to make a request that he paint their portraits.
The paintings depicted them as foreigners having bushy eyebrows, large eyes, hanging cheeks and high noses. They were seated in landscapes, leaning against pine trees and stones. An additional theme in these paintings were that they were portrayed as being unkempt and "eccentric" which emphasize that they were vagabonds and beggars who have left all worldly desires behind. When Guan Xiu was asked how he came up with the depictions, he answered: "It was in a dream that I saw these Gods and Buddhas. After I woke up, I painted what I saw in the dream. So, I guess I can refer to these Luohans as 'Luohans in a dream'." These portraits painted by Guan Xiu has become the definitive images for the 18 Luohans in Chinese Buddhist iconography, although in modern depiction they bear more Sinitic features and at the same time lost their exaggerated foreign features in exchange for more exaggerated expressions. The paintings were donated by Guan Xiu to the Shengyin Temple in Qiantang (present day Hangzhou
Hangzhou
Hangzhou , formerly transliterated as Hangchow, is the capital and largest city of Zhejiang Province in Eastern China. Governed as a sub-provincial city, and as of 2010, its entire administrative division or prefecture had a registered population of 8.7 million people...
) where they are preserved with great care and ceremonious respect. Many prominent artists such as Wu Bin
Wu Bin
Wu Bin is a world-renowned wushu coach who has produced more Wushu champions than any other coach in China. Among his students are Jet Li, Li Jinheng, Zhang Guifeng, Zhang Hongmei, Hao Zhihua, Huang Qiuyan, Kenny Perez, Tang Laiwei, and countless more.Wu began his career after graduating from the...
and Ding Guanpeng
Ding Guanpeng
Ding Guanpeng was a famed Chinese painter who lived during the Qing Dynasty.A native of Beijing, he was active from Kangxi's later years to middle of Qianlong's years. He was noted for painting people and landscapes. He spent about 50 years in the Palace Painting Academy and drew nearly 200 pieces....
would later try to faithfully imitate the original paintings.
The Qianlong Emperor
Qianlong Emperor
The Qianlong Emperor was the sixth emperor of the Manchu-led Qing Dynasty, and the fourth Qing emperor to rule over China proper. The fourth son of the Yongzheng Emperor, he reigned officially from 11 October 1735 to 8 February 1796...
was a great admirer of the Luohans and during his visit to see the paintings in 1757, Qianlong not only examined them closely but he also wrote a eulogy to each Luohan image. Copies of these eulogies were presented to the monastery and preserved. In 1764, Qianlong ordered that the paintings held at the Shengyin Monastery be reproduced and engraved onto stone tablets for preservation. These were mounted like facets into a marble stupa for public display. The temple was destroyed during the Taiping Rebellion
Taiping Rebellion
The Taiping Rebellion was a widespread civil war in southern China from 1850 to 1864, led by heterodox Christian convert Hong Xiuquan, who, having received visions, maintained that he was the younger brother of Jesus Christ, against the ruling Manchu-led Qing Dynasty...
but copies of ink rubbing of the steles were preserved in and outside of China.
Roster
In the Chinese Tradition, the 18 Luohans are generally presented in the order they are said to have appeared to Guan Xiu, not according to their power: Deer Sitting, Happy, Raised Bowl, Raised Pagoda, Meditating, Oversea, Elephant Riding, Laughing Lion, Open Heart, Raised Hand, Thinking, Scratched Ear, Calico Bag, Plantain, Long Eyebrow, Doorman, Taming Dragon and Taming Tiger.| Name | Qianlong's Eulogy | Synopsis |
|---|---|---|
01. Pindola the Bharadvaja* (Sanskrit Sanskrit Sanskrit , is a historical Indo-Aryan language and the primary liturgical language of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism.Buddhism: besides Pali, see Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit Today, it is listed as one of the 22 scheduled languages of India and is an official language of the state of Uttarakhand... : Pindolabharadrāja) |
Sitting dignified on a deer, As if in deep thought. With perfect composure, Contented with being above worldly pursuits. |
Guan Xiu's Dream: Deer Sitting Luohan |
02. Kanaka the Vatsa (Sanskrit Sanskrit Sanskrit , is a historical Indo-Aryan language and the primary liturgical language of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism.Buddhism: besides Pali, see Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit Today, it is listed as one of the 22 scheduled languages of India and is an official language of the state of Uttarakhand... : Kanakavatsa) |
Decimating the demons, The universe now cleared. Hands raised for jubuilation, Be wild with joy. |
Happy Luohan |
03. Kanaka the Bharadvaja (Sanskrit Sanskrit Sanskrit , is a historical Indo-Aryan language and the primary liturgical language of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism.Buddhism: besides Pali, see Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit Today, it is listed as one of the 22 scheduled languages of India and is an official language of the state of Uttarakhand... : Kanakabharadrāja) |
In majestic grandeur, Joy descends from heaven. Raised the bowl to receive happiness, Glowing with jubilance and exultation. |
Raised Bowl Luohan |
04. Nandimitra |
A seven-storey pagoda, Miraculous power of the Buddha. Forceful without being angry, With preeminent Buddhist might. |
Raised Pagoda Luohan |
05. Nakula Nakula Nakula, also spelt "Nakul" was one of the five Pandava brothers according to the epic Mahābhārata. Nakula and Sahadeva were fraternal twins born to Madri, who had invoked the Ashvins using a mantra for a son, the mantra shared by Kunti... * (Sanskrit Sanskrit Sanskrit , is a historical Indo-Aryan language and the primary liturgical language of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism.Buddhism: besides Pali, see Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit Today, it is listed as one of the 22 scheduled languages of India and is an official language of the state of Uttarakhand... : Nakula/Pakula) |
Quietly cultivating the mind, A countenance calm and composed. Serene and dignified, To enter the Western Paradise. |
Meditating Lohan |
06. Bodhidruma |
Bearing the sutras, Sail east to spread the world. Climbing mountains and fording streams, For the deliverance of the humanity. |
Overseas Lohan |
07. Kalika (Sanskrit Sanskrit Sanskrit , is a historical Indo-Aryan language and the primary liturgical language of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism.Buddhism: besides Pali, see Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit Today, it is listed as one of the 22 scheduled languages of India and is an official language of the state of Uttarakhand... : Kālika) |
Riding an elephant with a dignified air, Chanting aloud the sutras. With a heart for the humanity, Eyes scanning the four corners of the universe. |
Elephant Riding Lohan |
08. Vijraputra |
Playful and free of inhibitions, The lion cub leaps with joy. Easily alternating tension with relaxation, Rejoicing with all living things. |
Laughing Lion Lohan |
09. Gobaka |
Open the heart and there is Buddha, Each displaying his prowess. The two should not compete, For Buddha's power is boundless. |
Open Heart Lohan |
10. Pantha the Elder* (Sanskrit Sanskrit Sanskrit , is a historical Indo-Aryan language and the primary liturgical language of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism.Buddhism: besides Pali, see Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit Today, it is listed as one of the 22 scheduled languages of India and is an official language of the state of Uttarakhand... : Panthaka) |
Easy and comfortable, Yawning and stretching. In a state of omniscience, Contented with his own lot. |
Raised Hand Lohan |
11. Rahula Rahula Rāhula was the only son of Siddhartha Gautama , later known as the Buddha, and his wife Princess Yasodharā.Accounts of his life differ in certain points. The following is that given in the Pāli Canon.- Life :... (Sanskrit Sanskrit Sanskrit , is a historical Indo-Aryan language and the primary liturgical language of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism.Buddhism: besides Pali, see Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit Today, it is listed as one of the 22 scheduled languages of India and is an official language of the state of Uttarakhand... : Rāhula) |
Pondering and meditating, Understanding it all. Above this world and free from conventions, Compassion conveyed up to the Ninth Heaven |
Thinking Lohan |
12. Nagasena Nagasena Nāgasena was a Brahmin who became a Buddhist sage lived about 150 BCE. His answers to questions about Buddhism posed by Menander I , the Indo-Greek king of northwestern India , are recorded in the Milinda Pañha.... (Sanskrit Sanskrit Sanskrit , is a historical Indo-Aryan language and the primary liturgical language of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism.Buddhism: besides Pali, see Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit Today, it is listed as one of the 22 scheduled languages of India and is an official language of the state of Uttarakhand... : Nāgasena) |
Leisurely and contented, Happy and knowledgeable. Full of wit and humour, Exuberant with interest. |
Scratch Ear Lohan |
13. Angida Budăi Budăi may refer to places in Romania:* Budăi, a village administered by Podu Iloaiei town, Iaşi County* Budăi, hill in the proximity of Călugăreni in Botoşani Countyand to several in Moldova:* Budăi, Taraclia, a commune in Taraclia district... |
Buddha of infinite life, Valuable bag containing secrets of heaven and earth. Happy and contented, Cheerful and joyful is he. |
Calico Bag Lohan |
14. Vanavasa (Sanskrit Sanskrit Sanskrit , is a historical Indo-Aryan language and the primary liturgical language of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism.Buddhism: besides Pali, see Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit Today, it is listed as one of the 22 scheduled languages of India and is an official language of the state of Uttarakhand... : Vanavāsa) |
Buddha of infinite life, Valuable bag containing secrets of heaven and earth. Happy and contented, Cheerful and joyful is he. |
Plantain Lohan |
15. Asita Asita Asita was a hermit ascetic of ancient India in the 6th century BCE. He is best known for having predicted that Prince Siddhartha of Kapilavastu would either become a great king or become a supreme religious leader .... |
Compassionate elder, A monk who has attained enlightenment. Perceptive of the infinite universe, With tacit understanding. |
Long Eyebrow Lohan |
16. Pantha the Younger |
Powerful, husky and tough, Watching with careful alertness. With the Buddhist staff in hand. Valiantly annihilates the evil. |
Doorman Lohan |
17. Nantimitolo+ |
In the hands are the spiritual pearl and the holy bowl, Endowed with power that knows no bounds. Full of valour, vigour and awe-inspiring dignity, To succeed in vanquishing the ferocious dragon. |
Taming Dragon Lohan |
18. Pindola+ |
Precious ring with magical powers, Infinitely resourceful. Vigorous and powerful, Subduing a ferocious tiger. |
Taming Tiger Lohan |