Difference between revisions of "Eighteen Arhats"
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− | The Eighteen Arhats (Chinese: 十八羅漢/十八阿羅漢; pinyin: Shíbā Luóhàn/Shíbā āLuóhàn; Wade-Giles:Lóhàn) are depicted in Mahayana Buddhism as the original followers of the Buddha who have followed the Eightfold Path and attained the Four Stages of Enlightenment. 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. | + | The [[Eighteen Arhats]] ({{Wiki|Chinese}}: [[十八羅漢]]/[[十八阿羅漢]]; pinyin: [[Shíbā Luóhàn]]/[[Shíbā āLuóhàn]]; [[Wade-Giles]]:[[Lóhàn]]) are depicted in [[Mahayana Buddhism]] as the original followers of the [[Buddha]] who have followed the [[Eightfold Path]] and attained the Four Stages of [[Enlightenment]]. They have reached the state of [[Nirvana]] and are free of [[worldly]] [[cravings]]. They are charged to {{Wiki|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]]. |
− | ==In China== | + | ==In [[China]]== |
[[File:Asita Steele Rubbing.jpg|right|190px|thumb|Ink rubbing of the steele commissioned by Qianlong depicting Asita. The upper right shows the inscriptions of the eulogy given by Qianlong.]] | [[File:Asita Steele Rubbing.jpg|right|190px|thumb|Ink rubbing of the steele commissioned by Qianlong depicting Asita. The upper right shows the inscriptions of the eulogy given by Qianlong.]] | ||
− | Originally, the arhats composed of only 10 disciples of Gautama Buddha, although the earliest Indian 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 (Chinese: 請賓度羅法; pinyin: Qǐng Bīndùluó Fǎ). | + | Originally, the [[arhats]] composed of only 10 [[disciples]] of [[Gautama Buddha]], although the earliest [[Indian]] [[sutras]] indicate that only 4 of them, [[Pindola]], Kundadhana, [[Panthaka]] and Nakula, were instructed to await the coming of [[Maitreya]]. Earliest {{Wiki|Chinese}} {{Wiki|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]] ({{Wiki|Chinese}}: 請賓度羅法; pinyin: Qǐng Bīndùluó Fǎ). |
− | 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 (Chinese: 法住記; pinyin: Fǎzhùjì), 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. | + | 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 {{Wiki|Chinese}} transcription for [[Arhat]]), but it wasn't until 654 AD when the Nandimitrāvadāna ({{Wiki|Chinese}}: 法住記; pinyin: Fǎzhùjì), Record on the Duration of the Law, spoken by the Great [[arhat]] Nadimitra, was translated by [[Xuanzang]] into {{Wiki|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. | + | Somewhere between the late {{Wiki|Tang Dynasty}} and early Five Dynasties and Ten {{Wiki|Kingdoms}} period of [[China]] two other Luohans were added to the roster {{Wiki|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 {{Wiki|modern}} {{Wiki|Chinese}} [[Buddhist traditions]]. A {{Wiki|cult}} built around the Luohans as {{Wiki|guardians}} of [[Buddhist]] [[faith]] gained momentum amongst {{Wiki|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 {{Wiki|Tiger}}, are thinly veiled swipes against {{Wiki|Taoism}}. |
− | ==In Chinese art== | + | ==In {{Wiki|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 Xiu (Chinese: 貫休; pinyin: Guànxiū) 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. | + | Because no historical records detailing how the Luohans looked like existed there were no distinguishing {{Wiki|features}} to tell the Luohans apart in early {{Wiki|Chinese}} depictions. The first portraits of the 18 Luohans was painted by the [[monk]] [[Guan Xiu]] ({{Wiki|Chinese}}: 貫休; pinyin: Guànxiū) in 891 AD who at the [[time]] was residing in Chengdu. Legend has it that the 18 Luohans knew of [[Guan]] Xiu's expert {{Wiki|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 {{Wiki|being}} unkempt and "{{Wiki|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 {{Wiki|Chinese}} [[Buddhist]] {{Wiki|iconography}}, although in {{Wiki|modern}} depiction they bear more Sinitic {{Wiki|features}} and at the same [[time]] lost their exaggerated foreign {{Wiki|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 {{Wiki|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. | + | The {{Wiki|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 {{Wiki|eulogy}} to each Luohan {{Wiki|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]]. |
==Roster== | ==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. | + | In the {{Wiki|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]]: {{Wiki|Deer}} Sitting, [[Happy]], Raised [[Bowl]], Raised [[Pagoda]], [[Meditating]], Oversea, [[Elephant]] Riding, Laughing [[Lion]], Open [[Heart]], Raised Hand, [[Thinking]], Scratched {{Wiki|Ear}}, Calico Bag, Plantain, Long Eyebrow, Doorman, Taming [[Dragon]] and Taming {{Wiki|Tiger}}. |
{|class="wikitable" align="center" style="margin:5px" width="100%" | {|class="wikitable" align="center" style="margin:5px" width="100%" | ||
|- | |- | ||
!width=25%|Name | !width=25%|Name | ||
− | !width=25%|Qianlong's Eulogy | + | !width=25%|Qianlong's {{Wiki|Eulogy}} |
!|Synopsis | !|Synopsis | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | | | ||
01. '''[[Pindolabharadrāja|Pindola the Bharadvaja]]'''*<br/> | 01. '''[[Pindolabharadrāja|Pindola the Bharadvaja]]'''*<br/> | ||
− | (Sanskrit: Pindolabharadrāja)<br/> | + | ([[Sanskrit]]: Pindolabharadrāja)<br/> |
− | (Chinese: 賓度羅跋羅墮闍尊者; pinyin: Bīndùluó Báluóduòshé Zūnzhě) | + | ({{Wiki|Chinese}}: 賓度羅跋羅墮闍尊者; pinyin: Bīndùluó Báluóduòshé Zūnzhě) |
| | | | ||
− | Sitting dignified on a deer,<br /> | + | Sitting dignified on a {{Wiki|deer}},<br /> |
− | As if in deep thought.<br /> | + | As if in deep [[thought]].<br /> |
With perfect composure,<br /> | With perfect composure,<br /> | ||
− | Contented with being above worldly pursuits. | + | Contented with {{Wiki|being}} above [[worldly]] pursuits. |
| | | | ||
− | Guan Xiu's Dream: ''Deer Sitting Luohan'' (Chinese: 騎鹿羅漢; pinyin: Qílù Luóhàn) | + | [[Guan]] Xiu's [[Dream]]: ''{{Wiki|Deer}} Sitting Luohan'' ({{Wiki|Chinese}}: 騎鹿羅漢; pinyin: Qílù Luóhàn) |
|- | |- | ||
| | | | ||
− | 02. '''Kanakavatsa|Kanaka the Vatsa'''<br/> | + | 02. '''Kanakavatsa|Kanaka the [[Vatsa]]'''<br/> |
− | (Sanskrit: Kanakavatsa)<br/> | + | ([[Sanskrit]]: [[Kanakavatsa]])<br/> |
− | (Chinese: 迦諾迦伐蹉尊者; pinyin: Jiānuòjiā Fácuō Zūnzhě) | + | ({{Wiki|Chinese}}: 迦諾迦伐蹉尊者; pinyin: Jiānuòjiā Fácuō Zūnzhě) |
| | | | ||
− | Decimating the demons,<br /> | + | Decimating the [[demons]],<br /> |
− | The universe now cleared.<br /> | + | The [[universe]] now cleared.<br /> |
Hands raised for jubuilation,<br /> | Hands raised for jubuilation,<br /> | ||
− | Be wild with joy. | + | Be wild with [[joy]]. |
| | | | ||
− | ''Happy Luohan'' (Chinese: 喜慶羅漢; pinyin: Xǐqìng Luóhàn) | + | ''[[Happy]] Luohan'' ({{Wiki|Chinese}}: 喜慶羅漢; pinyin: Xǐqìng Luóhàn) |
|- | |- | ||
| | | | ||
− | 03. '''Kanakabharadrāja|Kanaka the Bharadvaja'''<br/> | + | 03. '''Kanakabharadrāja|Kanaka the [[Bharadvaja]]'''<br/> |
− | (Sanskrit: Kanakabharadrāja)<br/> | + | ([[Sanskrit]]: Kanakabharadrāja)<br/> |
− | (Chinese: 迦諾迦跋釐堕闍尊者; pinyin: Jiānuòjiā Bálíduòshé Zūnzhě) | + | ({{Wiki|Chinese}}: 迦諾迦跋釐堕闍尊者; pinyin: Jiānuòjiā Bálíduòshé Zūnzhě) |
| | | | ||
In majestic grandeur,<br /> | In majestic grandeur,<br /> | ||
− | Joy descends from heaven.<br /> | + | [[Joy]] descends from [[heaven]].<br /> |
− | Raised the bowl to receive happiness,<br /> | + | Raised the [[bowl]] to receive [[happiness]],<br /> |
− | Glowing with jubilance and exultation. | + | Glowing with jubilance and [[exultation]]. |
| | | | ||
− | ''Raised Bowl Luohan'' (Chinese: 舉缽羅漢; pinyin: Jǔbō Luóhàn) | + | ''Raised [[Bowl]] Luohan'' ({{Wiki|Chinese}}: 舉缽羅漢; pinyin: Jǔbō Luóhàn) |
|- | |- | ||
| | | | ||
04. '''Nandimitra'''<br/> | 04. '''Nandimitra'''<br/> | ||
− | (Chinese: 蘇頻陀尊者; pinyin: Sūpíntuó Zūnzhě) | + | ({{Wiki|Chinese}}: 蘇頻陀尊者; pinyin: Sūpíntuó Zūnzhě) |
| | | | ||
− | A seven-storey pagoda,<br /> | + | A seven-storey [[pagoda]],<br /> |
− | Miraculous power of the Buddha.<br /> | + | Miraculous [[power]] of the [[Buddha]].<br /> |
− | Forceful without being angry,<br /> | + | Forceful without {{Wiki|being}} [[angry]],<br /> |
− | With preeminent Buddhist might. | + | With preeminent [[Buddhist]] might. |
| | | | ||
− | ''Raised Pagoda Luohan'' (Chinese: 托塔羅漢; pinyin: Tuōda Luóhàn) | + | ''Raised [[Pagoda]] Luohan'' ({{Wiki|Chinese}}: 托塔羅漢; pinyin: Tuōda Luóhàn) |
|- | |- | ||
| | | | ||
05. '''[[Nakula]]'''*<br/> | 05. '''[[Nakula]]'''*<br/> | ||
− | (Sanskrit: Nakula/Pakula) | + | ([[Sanskrit]]: Nakula/Pakula) |
− | (Chinese: 諾距羅尊者; pinyin: Nuòjùluó Zūnzhě) | + | ({{Wiki|Chinese}}: 諾距羅尊者; pinyin: Nuòjùluó Zūnzhě) |
| | | | ||
− | Quietly cultivating the mind,<br/> | + | Quietly cultivating the [[mind]],<br/> |
− | A countenance calm and composed.<br/> | + | A countenance [[calm]] and composed.<br/> |
Serene and dignified,<br/> | Serene and dignified,<br/> | ||
− | To enter the Western Paradise. | + | To enter the [[Western Paradise]]. |
| | | | ||
− | ''Meditating Lohan'' (Chinese: 靜座羅漢; pinyin: Jìngzuò Luóhàn) | + | ''[[Meditating]] [[Lohan]]'' ({{Wiki|Chinese}}: 靜座羅漢; pinyin: Jìngzuò Luóhàn) |
|- | |- | ||
| | | | ||
06. '''Bodhidruma'''<br/> | 06. '''Bodhidruma'''<br/> | ||
− | (Chinese: 跋陀羅尊者; pinyin: Bátuóluó Zūnzhě) | + | ({{Wiki|Chinese}}: 跋陀羅尊者; pinyin: Bátuóluó Zūnzhě) |
| | | | ||
− | Bearing the sutras,<br/> | + | Bearing the [[sutras]],<br/> |
− | Sail east to spread the world.<br/> | + | Sail {{Wiki|east}} to spread the [[world]].<br/> |
Climbing mountains and fording streams,<br/> | Climbing mountains and fording streams,<br/> | ||
− | For the deliverance of the humanity. | + | For the [[deliverance]] of the [[humanity]]. |
| | | | ||
− | ''Overseas Lohan'' (Chinese: 過江羅漢; pinyin: Guojiāng Luóhàn) | + | ''Overseas [[Lohan]]'' ({{Wiki|Chinese}}: 過江羅漢; pinyin: Guojiāng Luóhàn) |
|- | |- | ||
| | | | ||
07. '''[[Kalika]]'''<br/> | 07. '''[[Kalika]]'''<br/> | ||
− | (Sanskrit: Kālika)<br/> | + | ([[Sanskrit]]: Kālika)<br/> |
− | (Chinese: 迦理迦尊者; pinyin: Jiālǐjiā Zūnzhě) | + | ({{Wiki|Chinese}}: 迦理迦尊者; pinyin: Jiālǐjiā Zūnzhě) |
| | | | ||
− | Riding an elephant with a dignified air,<br/> | + | Riding an [[elephant]] with a dignified [[air]],<br/> |
− | Chanting aloud the sutras.<br/> | + | [[Chanting]] aloud the [[sutras]].<br/> |
− | With a heart for the humanity,<br/> | + | With a [[heart]] for the [[humanity]],<br/> |
− | Eyes scanning the four corners of the universe. | + | [[Eyes]] scanning the four corners of the [[universe]]. |
| | | | ||
− | ''Elephant Riding Lohan'' (Chinese: 騎象羅漢; pinyin: Qíxiàng Luóhàn) | + | ''[[Elephant]] Riding [[Lohan]]'' ({{Wiki|Chinese}}: 騎象羅漢; pinyin: Qíxiàng Luóhàn) |
|- | |- | ||
| | | | ||
08. '''Vijraputra'''<br/> | 08. '''Vijraputra'''<br/> | ||
− | (Chinese: 伐闍羅弗多尊者; pinyin: Fáshéluófúduō Zūnzhě) | + | ({{Wiki|Chinese}}: 伐闍羅弗多尊者; pinyin: Fáshéluófúduō Zūnzhě) |
| | | | ||
Playful and free of inhibitions,<br/> | Playful and free of inhibitions,<br/> | ||
− | The lion cub leaps with joy.<br/> | + | The [[lion]] cub leaps with [[joy]].<br/> |
− | Easily alternating tension with relaxation,<br/> | + | Easily alternating tension with [[relaxation]],<br/> |
− | Rejoicing with all living things. | + | [[Rejoicing]] with all living things. |
| | | | ||
− | ''Laughing Lion Lohan'' (Chinese: 笑獅羅漢; pinyin: Xiàoshī Luóhàn) | + | ''Laughing [[Lion]] [[Lohan]]'' ({{Wiki|Chinese}}: 笑獅羅漢; pinyin: Xiàoshī Luóhàn) |
|- | |- | ||
| | | | ||
09. '''Gobaka'''<br/> | 09. '''Gobaka'''<br/> | ||
− | (Chinese: 戌博迦尊者; pinyin: Xūbójiā Zūnzhě) | + | ({{Wiki|Chinese}}: 戌博迦尊者; pinyin: Xūbójiā Zūnzhě) |
| | | | ||
− | Open the heart and there is Buddha,<br/> | + | Open the [[heart]] and there is [[Buddha]],<br/> |
Each displaying his prowess.<br/> | Each displaying his prowess.<br/> | ||
The two should not compete,<br/> | The two should not compete,<br/> | ||
− | For Buddha's power is boundless. | + | For [[Buddha's]] [[power]] is [[boundless]]. |
| | | | ||
− | ''Open Heart Lohan'' (Chinese: 開心羅漢; pinyin: Kāixīn Luóhàn) | + | ''Open [[Heart]] [[Lohan]]'' ({{Wiki|Chinese}}: 開心羅漢; pinyin: Kāixīn Luóhàn) |
|- | |- | ||
| | | | ||
10. '''Pantha the Elder'''*<br/> | 10. '''Pantha the Elder'''*<br/> | ||
− | (Sanskrit: Panthaka)<br/> | + | ([[Sanskrit]]: [[Panthaka]])<br/> |
− | (Chinese: 半托迦尊者; pinyin: Bàntuōjiā Zūnzhě) | + | ({{Wiki|Chinese}}: 半托迦尊者; pinyin: Bàntuōjiā Zūnzhě) |
| | | | ||
Easy and comfortable,<br /> | Easy and comfortable,<br /> | ||
Yawning and stretching.<br /> | Yawning and stretching.<br /> | ||
− | In a state of omniscience,<br /> | + | In a state of [[omniscience]],<br /> |
Contented with his own lot. | Contented with his own lot. | ||
| | | | ||
− | ''Raised Hand Lohan'' (Chinese: 探手羅漢; pinyin: Tànshǒu Luóhàn) | + | ''Raised Hand [[Lohan]]'' ({{Wiki|Chinese}}: 探手羅漢; pinyin: Tànshǒu Luóhàn) |
|- | |- | ||
| | | | ||
11. '''[[Rāhula|Rahula]]'''<br/> | 11. '''[[Rāhula|Rahula]]'''<br/> | ||
− | (Sanskrit: Rāhula)<br/> | + | ([[Sanskrit]]: [[Rāhula]])<br/> |
− | (Chinese: 羅怙羅尊者; pinyin: Luóhùluó Zūnzhě) | + | ({{Wiki|Chinese}}: 羅怙羅尊者; pinyin: Luóhùluó Zūnzhě) |
| | | | ||
− | Pondering and meditating,<br /> | + | [[Pondering]] and [[meditating]],<br /> |
− | Understanding it all.<br /> | + | [[Understanding]] it all.<br /> |
− | Above this world and free from conventions,<br /> | + | Above this [[world]] and free from conventions,<br /> |
− | Compassion conveyed up to the Ninth Heaven | + | [[Compassion]] conveyed up to the Ninth [[Heaven]] |
| | | | ||
− | ''Thinking Lohan'' (Chinese: 沉思羅漢; pinyin: Chénsāi Luóhàn) | + | ''[[Thinking]] [[Lohan]]'' ({{Wiki|Chinese}}: 沉思羅漢; pinyin: Chénsāi Luóhàn) |
|- | |- | ||
| | | | ||
12. '''[[Nagasena]]'''<br/> | 12. '''[[Nagasena]]'''<br/> | ||
− | (Sanskrit: Nāgasena)<br/> | + | ([[Sanskrit]]: [[Nāgasena]])<br/> |
− | (Chinese: 那迦犀那尊者; pinyin: Nājiāxīnā Zūnzhě) | + | ({{Wiki|Chinese}}: 那迦犀那尊者; pinyin: Nājiāxīnā Zūnzhě) |
| | | | ||
Leisurely and contented,<br/> | Leisurely and contented,<br/> | ||
− | Happy and knowledgeable.<br/> | + | [[Happy]] and [[knowledgeable]].<br/> |
− | Full of wit and humour,<br/> | + | Full of wit and [[humour]],<br/> |
− | Exuberant with interest. | + | Exuberant with [[interest]]. |
| | | | ||
− | ''Scratch Ear Lohan'' (Chinese: 挖耳羅漢; pinyin: Wāěr Luóhàn) | + | ''Scratch {{Wiki|Ear}} [[Lohan]]'' ({{Wiki|Chinese}}: 挖耳羅漢; pinyin: Wāěr Luóhàn) |
|- | |- | ||
| | | | ||
13. '''[[Budai|Angida]]'''<br/> | 13. '''[[Budai|Angida]]'''<br/> | ||
− | (Chinese: 因揭陀尊者; pinyin: Yīnjiētuó Zūnzhě) | + | ({{Wiki|Chinese}}: 因揭陀尊者; pinyin: Yīnjiētuó Zūnzhě) |
| | | | ||
− | Buddha of infinite life,<br /> | + | [[Buddha of infinite life]],<br /> |
− | Valuable bag containing secrets of heaven and earth.<br /> | + | Valuable bag containing secrets of [[heaven]] and [[earth]].<br /> |
− | Happy and contented,<br /> | + | [[Happy]] and contented,<br /> |
− | Cheerful and joyful is he.<br /> | + | Cheerful and [[joyful]] is he.<br /> |
| | | | ||
− | ''Calico Bag Lohan'' (Chinese: 布袋羅漢; pinyin: Bùdài Luóhàn) | + | ''Calico Bag [[Lohan]]'' ({{Wiki|Chinese}}: 布袋羅漢; pinyin: [[Bùdài]] Luóhàn) |
|- | |- | ||
| | | | ||
14. '''Vanavasa'''<br/> | 14. '''Vanavasa'''<br/> | ||
− | (Sanskrit: Vanavāsa)<br/> | + | ([[Sanskrit]]: Vanavāsa)<br/> |
− | (Chinese: 伐那婆斯尊者; pinyin: Fánāpósī Zūnzhě) | + | ({{Wiki|Chinese}}: 伐那婆斯尊者; pinyin: Fánāpósī Zūnzhě) |
| | | | ||
− | Buddha of infinite life,<br /> | + | [[Buddha of infinite life]],<br /> |
− | Valuable bag containing secrets of heaven and earth.<br /> | + | Valuable bag containing secrets of [[heaven]] and [[earth]].<br /> |
− | Happy and contented,<br /> | + | [[Happy]] and contented,<br /> |
− | Cheerful and joyful is he.<br /> | + | Cheerful and [[joyful]] is he.<br /> |
| | | | ||
− | ''Plantain Lohan'' (Chinese: 芭蕉羅漢; pinyin: Bājiāo Luóhàn) | + | ''Plantain [[Lohan]]'' ({{Wiki|Chinese}}: 芭蕉羅漢; pinyin: Bājiāo Luóhàn) |
|- | |- | ||
| | | | ||
15. '''[[Asita]]'''<br/> | 15. '''[[Asita]]'''<br/> | ||
− | (Chinese: 阿氏多尊者; pinyin: āshìduō Zūnzhě) | + | ({{Wiki|Chinese}}: 阿氏多尊者; pinyin: āshìduō Zūnzhě) |
| | | | ||
− | Compassionate elder,<br /> | + | [[Compassionate]] elder,<br /> |
− | A monk who has attained enlightenment.<br /> | + | A [[monk]] who has attained [[enlightenment]].<br /> |
− | Perceptive of the infinite universe,<br /> | + | Perceptive of the [[infinite]] [[universe]],<br /> |
− | With tacit understanding. | + | With tacit [[understanding]]. |
| | | | ||
− | ''Long Eyebrow Lohan'' (Chinese: 长眉羅漢; pinyin: Chángméi Luóhàn) | + | ''Long Eyebrow [[Lohan]]'' ({{Wiki|Chinese}}: 长眉羅漢; pinyin: Chángméi Luóhàn) |
|- | |- | ||
| | | | ||
16. '''Pantha the Younger'''<br/> | 16. '''Pantha the Younger'''<br/> | ||
− | (Chinese: 注茶半托迦尊者; pinyin: Zhùchá Bàntuōjiā Zūnzhě) | + | ({{Wiki|Chinese}}: 注茶半托迦尊者; pinyin: Zhùchá Bàntuōjiā Zūnzhě) |
| | | | ||
− | Powerful, husky and tough,<br/> | + | {{Wiki|Powerful}}, husky and tough,<br/> |
− | Watching with careful alertness.<br/> | + | Watching with careful [[alertness]].<br/> |
− | With the Buddhist staff in hand.<br/> | + | With the [[Buddhist]] [[staff]] in hand.<br/> |
− | Valiantly annihilates the evil. | + | Valiantly annihilates the [[evil]]. |
| | | | ||
− | ''Doorman Lohan'' (Chinese: 看門羅漢; pinyin: Kānmén Luóhàn) | + | ''Doorman [[Lohan]]'' ({{Wiki|Chinese}}: 看門羅漢; pinyin: Kānmén Luóhàn) |
|- | |- | ||
| | | | ||
17. '''Nantimitolo'''+<br/> | 17. '''Nantimitolo'''+<br/> | ||
− | (Chinese: 慶友尊者; pinyin: Qìngyǒu Zūnzhě) | + | ({{Wiki|Chinese}}: 慶友尊者; pinyin: Qìngyǒu Zūnzhě) |
| | | | ||
− | In the hands are the spiritual pearl and the holy bowl,<br /> | + | In the hands are the [[spiritual]] {{Wiki|pearl}} and the {{Wiki|holy}} [[bowl]],<br /> |
− | Endowed with power that knows no bounds.<br /> | + | Endowed with [[power]] that [[knows]] no bounds.<br /> |
− | Full of valour, vigour and awe-inspiring dignity,<br /> | + | Full of valour, vigour and awe-inspiring [[dignity]],<br /> |
− | To succeed in vanquishing the ferocious dragon. | + | To succeed in vanquishing the ferocious [[dragon]]. |
| | | | ||
− | ''Taming Dragon Lohan'' (Chinese: 降龍羅漢; pinyin: Xiánglóng Luóhàn) | + | ''Taming [[Dragon]] [[Lohan]]'' ({{Wiki|Chinese}}: 降龍羅漢; pinyin: Xiánglóng Luóhàn) |
|- | |- | ||
| | | | ||
− | 18. '''Pindola'''+<br/> | + | 18. '''[[Pindola]]'''+<br/> |
− | (Chinese: 賓頭廬尊者; pinyin: Bīntóulú Zūnzhě) | + | ({{Wiki|Chinese}}: 賓頭廬尊者; pinyin: Bīntóulú Zūnzhě) |
| | | | ||
− | Precious ring with magical powers,<br /> | + | [[Precious]] ring with [[magical]] [[powers]],<br /> |
Infinitely resourceful.<br /> | Infinitely resourceful.<br /> | ||
− | Vigorous and powerful,<br /> | + | Vigorous and {{Wiki|powerful}},<br /> |
− | Subduing a ferocious tiger. | + | Subduing a ferocious {{Wiki|tiger}}. |
| | | | ||
− | ''Taming Tiger Lohan'' (Chinese: 伏虎羅漢; pinyin: Fúhǔ Luóhàn) | + | ''Taming {{Wiki|Tiger}} [[Lohan]]'' ({{Wiki|Chinese}}: 伏虎羅漢; pinyin: Fúhǔ Luóhàn) |
|} | |} | ||
Revision as of 15:38, 22 September 2013
The Eighteen Arhats (Chinese: 十八羅漢/十八阿羅漢; pinyin: Shíbā Luóhàn/Shíbā āLuóhàn; Wade-Giles:Lóhàn) are depicted in Mahayana Buddhism as the original followers of the Buddha who have followed the Eightfold Path and attained the Four Stages of Enlightenment. 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.
In China
Originally, the arhats composed of only 10 disciples of Gautama Buddha, although the earliest Indian 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 (Chinese: 請賓度羅法; pinyin: Qǐng Bīndùluó Fǎ).
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 (Chinese: 法住記; pinyin: Fǎzhùjì), 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 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 Xiu (Chinese: 貫休; pinyin: Guànxiū) 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.
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* |
Sitting dignified on a deer, |
Guan Xiu's Dream: Deer Sitting Luohan (Chinese: 騎鹿羅漢; pinyin: Qílù Luóhàn) |
02. Kanakavatsa|Kanaka the Vatsa |
Decimating the demons, |
|
03. Kanakabharadrāja|Kanaka the Bharadvaja |
In majestic grandeur, |
|
04. Nandimitra |
A seven-storey pagoda, |
|
05. Nakula* |
Quietly cultivating the mind, |
Meditating Lohan (Chinese: 靜座羅漢; pinyin: Jìngzuò Luóhàn) |
06. Bodhidruma |
Bearing the sutras, |
|
07. Kalika |
Riding an elephant with a dignified air, |
Elephant Riding Lohan (Chinese: 騎象羅漢; pinyin: Qíxiàng Luóhàn) |
08. Vijraputra |
Playful and free of inhibitions, |
|
09. Gobaka |
Open the heart and there is Buddha, |
|
10. Pantha the Elder* |
Easy and comfortable, |
|
11. Rahula |
Pondering and meditating, |
|
12. Nagasena |
Leisurely and contented, |
|
Buddha of infinite life, |
||
14. Vanavasa |
Buddha of infinite life, |
|
Compassionate elder, |
||
16. Pantha the Younger |
Powerful, husky and tough, |
|
17. Nantimitolo+ |
In the hands are the spiritual pearl and the holy bowl, |
Taming Dragon Lohan (Chinese: 降龍羅漢; pinyin: Xiánglóng Luóhàn) |
Precious ring with magical powers, |