16 Arhats of Buddha
The 16 Arhats of Buddha are a group of disciples who were said to have attained enlightenment under the guidance of the Buddha. They are considered to be the most important and revered figures in Mahayana Buddhism, and their teachings are still studied and practiced by millions of people around the world.
The 16 Arhats are:
- Kashyapa Buddha
- Ananda
- Sariputta
- Moggallana
- Mahakasyapa
- Anuruddha
- Upali
- Rahula
- Devadatta
- Angulimala
- Cunda
- Katyayana
- Vakula
- Pindola Bharadvaja
- Rahula
Each of the 16 Arhats has a unique story and set of teachings. For example, Kashyapa Buddha was the Buddha who preceded Shakyamuni Buddha, and Ananda was the Buddha’s cousin and personal attendant. Sariputta and Moggallana were two of the Buddha’s most famous disciples, and Mahakasyapa was the leader of the first Buddhist council. Anuruddha was a skilled meditator, Upali was a master of the Vinaya (the code of monastic discipline), Rahula was the Buddha’s son, Devadatta was the Buddha’s cousin and rival, Angulimala was a serial killer who became an Arhat, Cunda was the man who offered the Buddha his last meal, Katyayana was a master of logic, Vakula was a wealthy merchant who became an Arhat, and Pindola Bharadvaja was a wandering ascetic who became an Arhat.
The 16 Arhats are often depicted in art and literature, and their stories are told in many different versions. They are an important part of the Buddhist tradition, and their teachings continue to inspire and guide people today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 16 Arhats?
The 16 Arhats are a group of disciples who were said to have attained enlightenment under the guidance of the Buddha. They are considered to be the most important and revered figures in Mahayana Buddhism, and their teachings are still studied and practiced by millions of people around the world.
Who are the 16 Arhats?
The 16 Arhats are:
- Kashyapa Buddha
- Ananda
- Sariputta
- Moggallana
- Mahakasyapa
- Anuruddha
- Upali
- Rahula
- Devadatta
- Angulimala
- Cunda
- Katyayana
- Vakula
- Pindola Bharadvaja
- Rahula
What are the stories of the 16 Arhats?
Each of the 16 Arhats has a unique story and set of teachings. For example, Kashyapa Buddha was the Buddha who preceded Shakyamuni Buddha, and Ananda was the Buddha’s cousin and personal attendant. Sariputta and Moggallana were two of the Buddha’s most famous disciples, and Mahakasyapa was the leader of the first Buddhist council. Anuruddha was a skilled meditator, Upali was a master of the Vinaya (the code of monastic discipline), Rahula was the Buddha’s son, Devadatta was the Buddha’s cousin and rival, Angulimala was a serial killer who became an Arhat, Cunda was the man who offered the Buddha his last meal, Katyayana was a master of logic, Vakula was a wealthy merchant who became an Arhat, and Pindola Bharadvaja was a wandering ascetic who became an Arhat.
What are the teachings of the 16 Arhats?
The teachings of the 16 Arhats are based on the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. They teach that suffering is caused by attachment, and that the way to end suffering is to let go of attachment. They also teach that the goal of life is to achieve enlightenment, or nirvana.
How are the 16 Arhats depicted in art and literature?
The 16 Arhats are often depicted in art and literature. In art, they are usually shown as a group of 16 men, each with their own unique appearance and attributes. In literature, they are often the protagonists of stories about the Buddha’s life and teachings.
Why are the 16 Arhats important?
The 16 Arhats are important because they are the embodiment of the Buddha’s teachings. They are living proof that it is possible to achieve enlightenment, and their stories inspire and guide people on their own spiritual journeys.
MCQs
- Which of the following is a role attributed to one of the 16 Arhats in Buddhist tradition?
- A. Destroying obstacles
- B. Healing the sick
- C. Guiding the dead
- D. Controlling the weather
- The 16 Arhats are commonly associated with which religious tradition?
- A. Hinduism
- B. Jainism
- C. Buddhism
- D. Sikhism
- The 16 Arhats are believed to have been disciples of which historical figure?
- A. Confucius
- B. Laozi
- C. Gautama Buddha
- D. Mahavira
- Which of the following is a characteristic commonly attributed to the 16 Arhats?
- A. Immortality
- B. Omniscience
- C. Compassion
- D. Invincibility
- The 16 Arhats are often depicted in which form of art?
- A. Sculpture
- B. Calligraphy
- C. Painting
- D. Pottery
- What is the primary role of the 16 Arhats in the context of their tradition?
- A. Protecting the Dharma
- B. Leading military conquests
- C. Establishing laws
- D. Performing rituals
- Which of the following is NOT one of the names traditionally associated with the 16 Arhats?
- A. Ananda
- B. Rahula
- C. Panthaka
- D. Upali
- The 16 Arhats are often invoked for what purpose in their respective tradition?
- A. Wealth and prosperity
- B. Protection from evil
- C. Health and longevity
- D. Wisdom and enlightenment
- Which of the following countries has a significant tradition of venerating the 16 Arhats?
- A. Japan
- B. India
- C. Thailand
- D. China
- The depiction of the 16 Arhats often includes symbolic items. Which of the following is one such item?
- A. Lotus flower
- B. Sword
- C. Snake
- D. Staff