The Great Elder Ajita Makes The Dhyana Mudra

Arhat Ajita is venerated for his Dhyana Mudra, which is the position of intense, concentrated meditation in much Buddhist iconography. This position, where the right hand is placed upwards on the left palm, with the tips of thumbs touching each other, symbolizes his enlightened state as an Arhat. It is believed that any devotee who looks upon, touches, and reveres his Dhyana Mudra (Tibetan: mnam-gzag phyang-rgya) gains his blessings and many virtuous qualities. Some qualities are perfection and increased observance and practice of the moral laws, the acquisition of infinite glory and wide spiritual fame, and the absorption of the mind in countless meditations.

In addition, if the devotee reflects on this mudra while praying to Ajita, they will be rewarded with an increase of steadfast faith in the perfect Dharma and relentless commitment and endurance. No matter the injuries, the devotee will remain unaffected by the evil influences as Ajita's blessings render them harmless. After all, he blesses everyone to accumulate good manners and causes as he truncates the evil causes and harmful activities of human beings and non-human beings.

Who Are the Arhats in Vajrayana Buddhism?

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Arhats, referred to in Sanskrit as Sthavira and Arahant, in Tibetan as Drakpo, and in Chinese as Louhan, were some of the first disciples of Shakyamuni Buddha to attain enlightenment. They are closely linked to the Hinayana tradition, having achieved liberation through their own dedicated practice. Revered as steadfast protectors of the Buddha's teachings, they are thought to continue safeguarding the Dharma until Maitreya, the future Buddha, arrives to renew and disseminate the sacred law. Consequently, the sixteen Arhats are believed to remain in various divine realms, each with their own entourage, actively preserving and embodying the Buddha’s path.

The Origin Story of Ajita Before His Arhatship

Ajita was born to a wealthy household in the ancient city of Shravasti, one of the six great cities of his time. He was born as a very beautiful boy who possessed all the physical signs of virtue. A blessing upon a treasure, his birth was also accompanied by good omens. On the same day of his birth, an 'excellent' elephant was also born to a happy and wealthy family. He grew up to be a fine youth with strength, virtue, and intellect.

At the same time, the king of the land, King Prasenajit, also welcomed a daughter. The baby came bearing marks that resembled the religious robes of a monk on her body. For that reason, she was named Chos-gos-can in Tibetan, which meant "Possessor of Religious Robes." She, too, grew up to be a fine young woman and a graceful princess. As time went by, the two happened to meet at a grove and became enamored with each other due to their beauty. When they both returned to their respective homes, they both realized that they had fallen deeply in love. Sadly, Ajita's father discouraged him from pursuing the princess due to the difference in their social status. No matter their riches, Ajita and his family were commoners on contrary to the royal lady. Instead, the father suggested that if the two were truly destined to be together, their paths would cross again in the future.

In time, now an adult Ajita happened to be at the royal palace to meet the King. He had brought along two valuable tusks from his 'excellent' elephant to pay respects to the monarch. The King was impressed with the gifts due to the tusks being rare and worth as any jewels; hence, he asked the youth to ask for a return gift, to which Ajita declined with much respect. The King was left even more impressed at the young man's humility. As time went by, the king and Ajita became closer than ever as the latter continued to present the former with the new growths of the valuable tusks. The king finally, out of gratitude, asked the youth to ask for a return gift and promised that he would grant any of Ajita's wishes, even if he asked for the king's treasure close to his heart. In response, Ajita finally asked for the princess's hand in marriage. On hearing this, King Prasenajit was perplexed but asked Ajita to wait for his answer till tomorrow morning.

That night, the King poured his anguish to his most trusted chief minister as he did not want to give away his daughter to a commoner but he could also not retract from his words to his acquaintance. The chief minister gave advice to the monarch based on his judgment. The next morning, when Ajita came to the palace, King Prasenajit instructed him to come again to the palace while riding his 'excellent' elephant. If he did so, the king would happily give his daughter to him. As asked, Ajita returned with his elephant while the king was filled with amazement. While in high spirits, he tried riding the elephant, but the gentle giant creature would not move forward. However, the elephant would walk when Ajita would mount him. Then the king finally gave his daughter to Ajita, without the slightest reservation. The couple got married and lived in complete harmony.

Then, one day, the couple, along with the King, went to the Jetavana grove to pay reverence to  Shakyamuni Buddha and his assembly. After an insightful lesson, Ajita and his wife decided to renounce the world. They were soon ordained and reached the third degree of Buddhist perfection- the Stage of Seeing. Later, Ajita became an Arhat due to his continuous effort to perfect the Dharma. Thus, the Buddha referred to him as: "My bhikshu Ajita, who is the most excellent of the meritorious one."

The Legend Of Ajita's Past Life

During his first visit to the Jetavana grove with his wife and father-in-law, King Prasenajit had asked the Buddha by what meritorious actions in his past lives Ajita came to possess perfect wealth and even got to marry a royal woman. In response, the Buddha answered that all the happiness in Ajita's current life was the result of the merit of his good actions in his past life. During one of the times when Vipasyin Buddha was on his way to a royal palace, he encountered a boy and a girl. The two were playing with a wooden toy elephant. Upon seeing the Buddha, the boy and the girl presented the enlightened being with their toy as a means of respect. 

The Buddha then prayed that the two children in their next life would be husband and wife. He also blessed the boy with an 'excellent' elephant and also strength, valor, and intellect. Hence, it was that incident in his past life that Ajita was endowed with such a perfect life in his current one. After all, the Buddha said that all the happiness that the present material world holds for each of us is a direct result of our past deeds.

Iconography of Arhat Ajita In Vajrayana Arts

The iconography of Arhat Ajita in Vajrayana art tells a powerful story about his fearless character, his victory over inner challenges, and his lasting position as a protector of the Dharma. His artistic representations often include the following elements:

1. Seated and Meditative Posture:
   Ajita is often portrayed in a seated and meditative stance. This duality showcases his willingness to defend the Dharma while also highlighting his profound dedication to achieving inner peace and spiritual mastery.
2. Monastic Attire (Tricivara):
   He is usually depicted wearing the traditional monastic robes, symbolizing his renunciation of worldly attachments. The flowing lines and subtle detailing of these robes underscore his ascetic lifestyle and dedication to the spiritual path.
3. Hands in Dhyana Mudra:
   Ajita’s hands are frequently shown in the Dhyana Mudra—where one hand rests atop the other in his lap—to signify profound meditation and inner balance.
4. Resolute and Fearless Expression:
   His facial features are rendered with a calm yet determined expression, capturing the essence of his name, "Ajita," meaning unconquerable. The clear, penetrating gaze embodies his spiritual vigilance and the unwavering strength of his resolve.
5. Martial and Robust Imagery:
   Reflecting the connotation of his name, Ajita is sometimes depicted as having a robust, athletic build and an assertive posture, unlike the other sixteen Arhats who appear as elders. This aspect of his iconography symbolizes his capacity to overcome both internal and external adversities, blending the qualities of a contemplative monk with that of a spiritual warrior.
6. Serene Natural Setting:
   Often set against a backdrop of mountainous terrains, forest clearings, or other tranquil natural landscapes. His imagery emphasizes his connection to his dwelling place, Drang-song (the hermit-sage mountain).
7. Aura of Enlightenment:
   A subtle halo or radiant aura frequently surrounds his head or entire figure, symbolizing the luminous wisdom and spiritual power he embodies. This divine light signifies his enlightened state and ability to inspire and guide practitioners.
8. Accompanied by Symbolic Retinue:
   Arhat Ajita is depicted alongside symbolic figures, highlighting his role as a protector of his retinue of 100 Arhats with whom he resides in the mountains.
9. Symbolic Use of Color:
   The color palette typically features deep golds and warm, earthy tones. Gold symbolizes enlightenment, triumph, and the essence of his wisdom, whereas the earthy shades link him to the natural world and his solid, monastic foundations.
   

These elements come together to create a vivid picture of Arhat Ajita, who not only represents fearlessness and spiritual triumph but also serves as a compassionate protector. His steadfast commitment encourages practitioners to face and overcome the obstacles they encounter on their journey to enlightenment.

Conclusion: Reflections on the Life and Teachings of Arhat Ajita

Arhat Ajita's life serves as a shining example of the fearless and vibrant spirit found in the Vajrayana path. His journey, characterized by a harmonious blend of strict discipline and deep meditative understanding, reminds us that the road to enlightenment requires both the bravery to face internal challenges and the calmness to accept the present moment. His teachings urge us to turn difficulties into opportunities, promoting a bold engagement with our inner selves that ultimately paves the way to liberation.

His is a guiding light of transformative energy and compassionate protection. His teachings inspire us to adopt a balanced approach, blending the vigor of dynamic awareness with the tranquility of meditative stillness. In his courageous presence, we discover the motivation to persist in our practice, fostering both the spiritual warrior and the meditative heart within ourselves. Ultimately, Ajita’s life embodies the harmonious blend of strength and compassion—a blend that continues to light the way toward genuine awakening.