Buddha’s original 16 disciples were monks called Arhats in Theravada Buddhism and Lohans in Mahayana Buddhism and 2 more were added in the Tang Dynasty. Referred to as “Worthy Ones,” Lohans are enlightened beings and revered monks who introduced Mahayana Buddhism along the Silk Roads. Through their Buddhist practices of spirituality and asceticism, they achieved enlightenment and were no longer subject to rebirths but choose to not enter nirvana and remain as guardians to preserve Buddhist teachings and protect the Buddhist faith. On his death bed, Shakyamuni entrusted them to protect, guard and spread the dharma and continue as guardians of Buddhism until the arrival of Maitreya, the Buddha of the Future when they would then enter nirvana. Images of the 18 Lohan depicted in poses of intense focus and meditation are usually placed as guardians along the wall in the main hall of Buddhist temples sometimes accompanied by 500 or more lesser Lohans to protect temple visitors, foster meditation and serve as models of virtue for devotees to emulate. They also appear in Popular Religion Temples. Unlike other temple deities and Bodhisattvas Lohans are not worshipped or offered prayers or requests but are viewed as a benign protective presence.
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Provincial Lohan meditating wearing monks robes associated with Lohans – hood, shoulder ring and cowl crossed at the neck but atypically decorated with raised curvilinear lacquer designs highlighted with gilt.
inspirational, serene monk with realistic youthful smiling face on tall pedestal symbolizing his spiritual significance. Size, pose and consecration suggest was in spiritual space in a home or community shrine. His serenity and grace transforms environment around him.
18 original Lohans were the major disciples of Shakyamuni Buddha whom he, at his death bed, entrusted to protect and promulgate Buddhist teachings. Over centuries, their numbers increased to over 500 enlightened beings recognized for their courage and supernatural powers. In Mahayana Buddhism, Lohans represent the ideal toward which Buddhist devotees should strive as they…
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