16 Arhats of Buddha

The Sixteen Arhats: Guardians of the Dharma and Embodiments of Enlightenment

The Sixteen Arhats, also known as the Sixteen Lohan, are revered figures in Mahayana Buddhism, representing the pinnacle of spiritual attainment and embodying the power of the Dharma. These enlightened beings, having achieved liberation from the cycle of rebirth, are believed to possess extraordinary abilities and serve as protectors and guides for those seeking enlightenment. Their stories, often filled with miraculous feats and profound wisdom, have captivated Buddhists for centuries, inspiring devotion and offering a path to spiritual growth.

Origins and Significance

The Sixteen Arhats originated in India, where they were initially known as the “Mahā-arhatas” or “Great Arhats.” These individuals were considered to be the most advanced disciples of the Buddha, having achieved the highest level of enlightenment known as Arhatship. They were renowned for their wisdom, compassion, and unwavering dedication to the Dharma.

The concept of the Sixteen Arhats gained prominence in China during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE), where they became deeply integrated into Buddhist iconography and popular culture. The specific selection of these sixteen individuals, and their individual stories, evolved over time, reflecting the diverse interpretations and cultural influences within Buddhism.

The Sixteen Arhats: A Detailed Look

Each of the Sixteen Arhats possesses unique characteristics and stories, representing different aspects of the Dharma and offering guidance for various spiritual challenges. Here is a detailed look at each Arhat, their attributes, and their significance:

1. Pindola Bharadvaja (宾度罗跋罗堕阇)

• Attributes: Often depicted holding a begging bowl and a staff, sometimes with a monkey on his shoulder.
• Story: Pindola Bharadvaja was known for his ability to perform miracles and his compassion for all beings. He is said to have once transformed himself into a monkey to help a group of hungry travelers.
• Significance: Represents the power of compassion and the ability to overcome obstacles through skillful means.

2. Kāśyapa (迦叶)

• Attributes: Usually depicted with a long white beard and holding a staff.
• Story: Kāśyapa was one of the Buddha’s closest disciples and is considered the founder of the Kāśyapa lineage of Buddhism. He is known for his wisdom and his ability to transmit the Dharma to future generations.
• Significance: Represents the importance of lineage and the transmission of knowledge.

3. Maha Moggallana (摩诃目犍连)

• Attributes: Often depicted with a shaved head and holding a staff.
• Story: Maha Moggallana was renowned for his psychic powers and his ability to see into the past and future. He is said to have once rescued his mother from the realm of hungry ghosts.
• Significance: Represents the power of spiritual insight and the ability to overcome suffering through understanding.

4. Maha Kāśyapa (摩诃迦叶)

• Attributes: Often depicted with a long white beard and holding a staff.
• Story: Maha Kāśyapa was one of the Buddha’s most devoted disciples and is considered the first patriarch of Zen Buddhism. He is known for his unwavering faith and his ability to transmit the Dharma directly to others.
• Significance: Represents the importance of direct transmission and the power of faith.

5. Subhuti (须菩提)

• Attributes: Often depicted with a shaved head and holding a staff.
• Story: Subhuti was known for his wisdom and his ability to see through illusions. He is said to have once challenged the Buddha with a series of paradoxical questions, leading to profound insights.
• Significance: Represents the importance of questioning and the ability to see through appearances.

6. Aniruddha (阿那律)

• Attributes: Often depicted with a shaved head and holding a staff.
• Story: Aniruddha was known for his clairvoyance and his ability to see into the hearts of others. He is said to have once used his psychic powers to help a group of people find their lost belongings.
• Significance: Represents the power of spiritual insight and the ability to see through illusions.

7. Upāli (优婆离)

• Attributes: Often depicted with a shaved head and holding a staff.
• Story: Upāli was known for his knowledge of the Vinaya (Buddhist monastic rules) and his ability to maintain order and discipline. He is said to have once helped to resolve a dispute between two monks.
• Significance: Represents the importance of discipline and the need for clear guidelines in spiritual practice.

8. Rahula (罗睺罗)

• Attributes: Often depicted with a shaved head and holding a staff.
• Story: Rahula was the Buddha’s son and is known for his intelligence and his ability to learn quickly. He is said to have once asked the Buddha a series of insightful questions about the Dharma.
• Significance: Represents the importance of learning and the need to question and explore the Dharma.

9. Nakula (那伽)

• Attributes: Often depicted with a shaved head and holding a staff.
• Story: Nakula was known for his ability to control snakes and other animals. He is said to have once used his powers to protect a group of people from a venomous snake.
• Significance: Represents the power of compassion and the ability to overcome fear and harm.

10. Panthaka (槃特伽)

• Attributes: Often depicted with a shaved head and holding a staff.
• Story: Panthaka was known for his ability to remember past lives and his knowledge of the Dharma. He is said to have once helped a group of people to understand the meaning of karma.
• Significance: Represents the importance of understanding karma and the need to cultivate good deeds.

11. Ashvajit (阿氏波罗)

• Attributes: Often depicted with a shaved head and holding a staff.
• Story: Ashvajit was known for his ability to heal the sick and his compassion for all beings. He is said to have once cured a king of a serious illness.
• Significance: Represents the power of healing and the importance of compassion.

12. Bhadra (跋陀罗)

• Attributes: Often depicted with a shaved head and holding a staff.
• Story: Bhadra was known for his ability to control the elements and his knowledge of the Dharma. He is said to have once used his powers to create a rain cloud to save a village from drought.
• Significance: Represents the power of nature and the importance of understanding the interconnectedness of all things.

13. Chanda (旃陀罗)

• Attributes: Often depicted with a shaved head and holding a staff.
• Story: Chanda was known for his ability to control fire and his knowledge of the Dharma. He is said to have once used his powers to protect a group of people from a fire.
• Significance: Represents the power of transformation and the ability to overcome challenges through skillful means.

14. Vajrapani (金刚手)

• Attributes: Often depicted with a shaved head and holding a vajra (thunderbolt) in his hand.
• Story: Vajrapani is known for his strength and his ability to protect the Dharma. He is said to have once used his vajra to defeat a demon who was trying to destroy the Dharma.
• Significance: Represents the power of the Dharma and the need to protect it from harm.

15. Katyayana (迦旃延)

• Attributes: Often depicted with a shaved head and holding a staff.
• Story: Katyayana was known for his wisdom and his ability to debate with others. He is said to have once defeated a group of skeptics in a debate about the Dharma.
• Significance: Represents the importance of intellectual understanding and the need to engage in dialogue about the Dharma.

16. Mahākāśyapa (摩诃迦叶)

• Attributes: Often depicted with a shaved head and holding a staff.
• Story: Mahākāśyapa was one of the Buddha’s closest disciples and is considered the first patriarch of Zen Buddhism. He is known for his unwavering faith and his ability to transmit the Dharma directly to others.
• Significance: Represents the importance of direct transmission and the power of faith.

The Sixteen Arhats in Art and Culture

The Sixteen Arhats have been a popular subject in Buddhist art for centuries, appearing in paintings, sculptures, and other forms of visual representation. Their images are often found in temples, monasteries, and homes, serving as reminders of the power of the Dharma and the possibility of enlightenment.

Table 1: The Sixteen Arhats in Art

The Sixteen Arhats have also played a significant role in Buddhist literature and folklore. Their stories have been recounted in numerous texts, including the “Arhat Sutra” and the “Biographies of the Sixteen Arhats”. These stories often feature miraculous feats, profound wisdom, and inspiring examples of compassion and dedication to the Dharma.

The Sixteen Arhats: A Path to Enlightenment

The Sixteen Arhats serve as powerful reminders of the potential for human beings to achieve enlightenment. Their stories offer guidance and inspiration for those seeking to follow the path of the Buddha. By studying their lives and teachings, we can learn to cultivate the qualities of wisdom, compassion, and unwavering dedication that are essential for spiritual growth.

Table 2: The Sixteen Arhats and Their Teachings

Conclusion

The Sixteen Arhats are more than just historical figures or mythical beings. They represent the culmination of the Buddhist path, embodying the highest levels of spiritual attainment and serving as guides for those seeking enlightenment. Their stories, filled with wisdom, compassion, and extraordinary abilities, offer a powerful reminder of the potential for human beings to transcend suffering and achieve liberation. By studying their lives and teachings, we can learn to cultivate the qualities that lead to enlightenment and create a more compassionate and enlightened world.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Sixteen Arhats of Buddha

1. What are the Sixteen Arhats?

The Sixteen Arhats, also known as the Sixteen Lohan, are revered figures in Mahayana Buddhism. They are considered to be the most advanced disciples of the Buddha, having achieved the highest level of enlightenment known as Arhatship. They are believed to possess extraordinary abilities and serve as protectors and guides for those seeking enlightenment.

2. What is the significance of the Sixteen Arhats?

The Sixteen Arhats represent different aspects of the Dharma and offer guidance for various spiritual challenges. Their stories, often filled with miraculous feats and profound wisdom, inspire devotion and offer a path to spiritual growth. They are also seen as protectors of the Dharma and those who follow it.

3. How did the Sixteen Arhats become popular?

The concept of the Sixteen Arhats gained prominence in China during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE). Their stories and images became deeply integrated into Buddhist iconography and popular culture, inspiring numerous works of art and literature.

4. What are some of the common attributes of the Sixteen Arhats?

The Sixteen Arhats are often depicted with shaved heads, holding staffs, and wearing simple robes. They may also have unique attributes reflecting their individual stories and abilities, such as a monkey on Pindola Bharadvaja’s shoulder or a vajra (thunderbolt) in Vajrapani’s hand.

5. Are there any specific stories associated with the Sixteen Arhats?

Yes, each Arhat has a unique story that highlights their special abilities and teachings. These stories often involve miraculous feats, profound wisdom, and inspiring examples of compassion and dedication to the Dharma.

6. How can I learn more about the Sixteen Arhats?

You can learn more about the Sixteen Arhats by reading texts such as the “Arhat Sutra” and the “Biographies of the Sixteen Arhats.” You can also explore their images in temples, monasteries, and online resources.

7. Can I pray to the Sixteen Arhats?

Yes, many Buddhists pray to the Sixteen Arhats for protection, guidance, and inspiration on their spiritual journey. They are seen as powerful protectors of the Dharma and those who follow it.

8. What is the difference between an Arhat and a Bodhisattva?

An Arhat is an individual who has achieved enlightenment and liberation from the cycle of rebirth. A Bodhisattva is an enlightened being who chooses to remain in the world to help others achieve enlightenment.

9. Are the Sixteen Arhats only important in Mahayana Buddhism?

While the Sixteen Arhats are primarily associated with Mahayana Buddhism, they are also recognized in Theravada Buddhism, though with less emphasis.

10. What is the best way to benefit from the teachings of the Sixteen Arhats?

The best way to benefit from the teachings of the Sixteen Arhats is to study their stories, reflect on their wisdom, and strive to cultivate the qualities they embody, such as compassion, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to the Dharma.

Here are some multiple-choice questions about the Sixteen Arhats of Buddha, with four options each:

1. Which Arhat is often depicted with a monkey on his shoulder?

a) Kāśyapa
b) Maha Moggallana
c) Pindola Bharadvaja
d) Subhuti

2. Which Arhat is known for his ability to control snakes and other animals?

a) Nakula
b) Ashvajit
c) Chanda
d) Vajrapani

3. Which Arhat is considered the first patriarch of Zen Buddhism?

a) Maha Kāśyapa
b) Subhuti
c) Aniruddha
d) Upāli

4. Which Arhat is known for his ability to see into the past and future?

a) Maha Moggallana
b) Aniruddha
c) Panthaka
d) Katyayana

5. Which Arhat is often depicted holding a vajra (thunderbolt)?

a) Vajrapani
b) Bhadra
c) Chanda
d) Ashvajit

6. Which Arhat is known for his ability to heal the sick?

a) Ashvajit
b) Panthaka
c) Nakula
d) Katyayana

7. Which Arhat is known for his knowledge of the Vinaya (Buddhist monastic rules)?

a) Upāli
b) Rahula
c) Aniruddha
d) Subhuti

8. Which Arhat is known for his ability to control fire?

a) Chanda
b) Bhadra
c) Ashvajit
d) Vajrapani

9. Which Arhat is known for his ability to remember past lives?

a) Panthaka
b) Aniruddha
c) Nakula
d) Katyayana

10. Which Arhat is known for his ability to debate with others?

a) Katyayana
b) Subhuti
c) Maha Kāśyapa
d) Pindola Bharadvaja

Answers:

1. c) Pindola Bharadvaja
2. a) Nakula
3. a) Maha Kāśyapa
4. a) Maha Moggallana
5. a) Vajrapani
6. a) Ashvajit
7. a) Upāli
8. a) Chanda
9. a) Panthaka
10. a) Katyayana