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Buddhism
is one of the world's most popular religions, and this Hindu-based
belief system is moving from its traditional base in Asia and being
adopted by many people in North America and Europe. Buddhist
mythology centers around the teachings of "the Buddha," who
attained spiritual peace and enlightenment.
While Buddhists do not worship the Buddha or any other deities
or icons, icons and art have become an important part of Buddhist
beliefs and practice. While
the figure of Buddha sitting with hands clasped is perhaps the most
famous of these icons, the 18 Lohans or Arhats are also an important
part of any Buddhist temple.
Lohans
are followers of Buddhism's "Eightfold Path" who have
achieved full spiritual fulfillment.
They have reached "Nirvana," the state of absolute
freedom from worldly cravings, and because of this they are no longer
subject to reincarnation. Their
eternal status makes them akin to guardian angels, adept at warding
off evil. Figures or
paintings of the 18 Lohan adorn the entranceway of Buddhist temples,
protecting those within from evil and allowing them to open themselves
to meditation and spiritual exploration.
There were originally only 16 Lohan; two were added in the
Chinese Tang dynasty, which was when the first paintings of the 18
Lohan were created. The
18 Lohan are the most prominent Lohan – up to 500 "lesser"
Lohan aid the 18 in warding off evil.
The
18 Lohan were first painted in 891 A.D. by Chinese Buddhist monk Guan
Xiu, who is said to have been visited by the Lohan in his dreams.
The 18 Lohan are generally presented in they are said to have
appeared to Guan Xiu: 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. The
names of these figures provide insight into their attributes, special
skills, or spiritual message. These
attributes have been passed down through legends, and although Guan
Xiu's paintings are considered to be the definitive images of the
Lohans, other artists have sought to create their own interpretation
of these figures. Thus
images of the 18 Lohans vary between Buddhist nations and can depend
on the time period in which they were created.
Paintings
and images of the 18 Lohans are mostly used in Buddhist temples, but
many new Buddhists or art collectors have sought to have these figures
as a part of their home. Small
statues, paintings, tracings, and engravings of the 18 Lohans are
available from many different sources, and can make your home's
entranceway more interesting and colorful.
They can also form an invaluable part of your collection of
Asian art.
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