Jivaka, the Open-Hearted Arhat

(This article was published in the Shenzhen Daily on June 22, 2015.)

A statue of Jivaka the Arhat at Xichan Temple, Fuzhou

In the main hall of many temples, one can see a collection of 18 statues, nine on a side, facing toward the main altar. These are the Eighteen Arhats (Chinese 罗汉, luohan), enlightened disciples of the Buddha. In the tradition of Southern Buddhism they are sometimes called sravakas or "hearers"--hence their attitude of harkening to the Buddha.

Ji Gong, the Eccentric Monk

(This article was published in the Shenzhen Daily on August 31, 2015.)

Ji Gong at Lingyin Temple, Hangzhou, Zhejiang

An amusing character seen in some temples is the Chan (Zen) master Ji Gong, also called Daoji. He wears a funny little hat with the character for "Buddha" on it, and monk's robes nearly in rags. His left hand holds a fan (for comfort--and magic), and in his right is a gourd containing wine. This may account for the seemingly-drunken smile on his face.

The Tiger and the Dragon

(This article was published in the Shenzhen Daily on October 12, 2015.)

Tiger and Dragon at the Tian Hou Temple in Sungang Village

In some temples, tigers and dragons are seen paired together, bringing to mind the title of the Academy Award-winning film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000). They represent the two aspects of the Dao--that ancient Chinese concept of "the way things are"--called Yin and Yang.

The 500 Arhats

(This article was published in the Shenzhen Daily on November 30, 2015.)

Five hundred small Arhats in a hall at Longhua Temple, Shanghai

Many temples have a subsidiary hall featuring 500 Arhats. This raises two questions.

The Eighteen Arhats

(This article was published in the Shenzhen Daily on February 29, 2016.)

Painting of the Eighteen Arhats at Yufo Temple, Shanghai

I have written from time to time about those uniquely Buddhist figures called "the Arhats." Today, let's look at the most popular group, comprised of eighteen of them.

Around the Main Hall

(This article was published in the Shenzhen Daily on May 10, 2016.)

Kneelers and instruments in front of main altar, Hong Fa Temple, Shenzhen

In addition to the main altar, there are plenty of other things to see inside the main hall.

Changmei and Tanshou Arhats

(This article was published in the Shenzhen Daily on Oct 24, 2016.)

Changmei, the Long Eyebrow Arhat, at Huayan Temple, Datong, Shanxi

From time to time, we have encountered the figures known as the 18 (or sometimes 16) Arhats, and we have looked more closely at one of them, "Jivaka, the open-hearted arhat." Let's meet some of the others.

Budai and Qixiang Arhats

(This article was published in the Shenzhen Daily on Oct 31, 2016.)

Budai (Angaja) and friend, at Huayan Temple, Datong, Shanxi

Let's meet two more of the 18 (or 16) arhats today.

Qilu and Xiaoshi Arhats

(This article was published in the Shenzhen Daily on November 7, 2016.)

Xiaoshi, the "Laughing Lion" Arhat, at Huayan Temple, Datong, Shanxi

Today we'll meet two more of the "Eighteen Arhats" found nine-on-a-side in the main halls of many temples.

Tuota and Bajiao Arhats

(This article was published in the Shenzhen Daily on November 14, 2016.)

Tuota Arhat at Huayan Temple, Datong, Shanxi

Let's meet two more Arhats.

Jubo and Xiqing Arhats

(This article was published in the Shenzhen Daily on November 21, 2016.)

Jubo Arhat at Huayan Temple, Datong, Shanxi Province

The next two Arhats in our survey of the famous eighteen are Jubo and Xiqing, the "Bowl Raising" and "Festive" Arhats.

Guojiang and Wa'er Arhats

(This article was published in the Shenzhen Daily on November 28, 2016.)

Wa'er Arhat at Huayan Temple, Datong, Shanxi Province

Today's two Arhats are Guojiang, the "Arhat Who Crossed the River," and Wa'er, the "Ear-Cleaning Arhat."

Kanmen and Jingzuo Arhats

(This article was published in the Shenzhen Daily on December 5, 2016.)

Kanmen Arhat wards off evil at Huayan Temple, Datong, Shanxi Province

Our next two Arhats are named Kanmen and Jingzuo.

Luoholuo Arhat

(This article was published in the Shenzhen Daily on December 12, 2016.)

A statue of Rahula in the garden at Kaiyuan Temple, Chaozhou.

Three Arhats remain on our list. This week's is one of the most fascinating.

Tiger and Dragon Arhats

(This article was published in the Shenzhen Daily on December 19, 2016.)

The Dragon-Taming Arhat, Kaiyuan Temple, Chaozhou

At last we come to Arhats 17 and 18--who present some problems.