Lohans

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.