Chudapanthaka's Dhyana Mudra Symbolizes His Spiritual Victory

Arhat Chudapanthaka makes the Dhyana Mudra (the mudra of meditation) in reverence for the Buddha's teachings. It is said that his grace will bestow the blessing to extinguish the fires of lust, hatred, and ignorance. The devotee will also overcome the constant thought of wishing others harm, misfortune, torment from affliction and misery, agitation of a troubled mind, dissident views against the Dharma, and immoral views. The Arhat will help a devotee gain control of one's sense organs, removing the source of pain and the influences leading to accidents.

Likewise, the significance of Chudapanthaka's Dhyana Mudra is to follow the Buddha's teachings, as someone who follows the Tathagata should be detached from all material grandeur. Followers of the Buddha, like him, should follow and practice the Dharma with unwavering loyalty to accomplish meaningful liberation from the cycle of rebirths. To gain a deeper understanding and comprehensive insights into the life and teachings of Arhat Chudapanthaka, delve into this blog.

Who Are the Arhats in Vajrayana Buddhism?

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Arhat" (Sanskrit: Arhat, Tibetan: Arahant or Drakpo, Chinese: Louhan ) are the first few disciples of the Shakyamuni Buddha who attained Nirvana. They are linked to the Hinayana path, where they attained liberation through personal effort. They are celebrated as exemplary figures who safeguard the Buddha's lessons until the future Buddha, Maitreya arrives to restore the Dharma. Therefore, in order to uphold, preserve, and disseminate the Dharma, the sixteen Arhats did not depart from this world. Instead, they continue to exist, residing in their respective abodes with their own retinues, practicing the Buddha's teachings.

Early Life and Background of Arhat Chudapanthaka

Chudapanthaka, also Kshudrapanthaka and Chulapanthaka (Tibetan: Lam-phran-brtan) is the younger brother of Arhat Panthaka. When he was conceived, his mother feared the family's tragic history of child mortality, of which only Mahapanthaka survived. Hence, she again followed the advice given by an old woman. So this time again, she ordered her maid to wrap an infant Chulapanthaka in a white cloth, fill his mouth with melted butter, and carry him to a busy crossroad to pay reverence to passing monks and Brahmins. If the baby survived until sunset, he was to be brought back, but if he passed away by that time, then his corpse was to be discarded on the way.

However, the maid, this time, became so lazy in following the instructions that she did not go to a busy crossroad. Instead, she went to a minor road where not even a single monk or Brahmin came. At this time, the Shakyamuni Buddha, through his divine perception, went to that silent street. The maid then made humble vows and prostrations, which were taught to her. The Bhagavan then blessed the child with a long life and the strength to fulfill the religious aspirations of his parents. Fortunately, the child survived and was brought back home.

However, as the child grew up, he proved to be a simple-minded child. He could not comprehend or memorize simple religious mantras despite being a Brahmin, while his elder brother excelled in the Four Vedas. He was handed over to many teachers who eventually gave up teaching him. Then, one day, his father was on his deathbed. He asked Panthaka not to mourn for him but rather instructed the latter to take care of Chudapanthaka.

However, in time, Panthaka renounced the worldly life and became a monk, practicing under the Sakyamuni. Meanwhile, Chulapanthaka went through a very difficult life and barely earned his living. It was during one of his elder brother's visits that his poor condition was discovered. Panthaka, through his spiritual insight, found out that his younger brother had shown good promise of leading a spiritual life. However, it depended entirely on Chulapanthaka's effort. Hence, the elder brother initiated him. During one of his lessons, Chulapanthaka was taught a verse which is as follows:

"Refrain from committing impious acts of body, speech, and mind;

Recognize the nature of the transmigratory existence and seek detachment from it;

Keep your mind alert and under tight control;

Do not confer with agents that cause an increase in suffering."

As was the case with Chudapanthaka, he was not able to remember this verse even after three months. On the contrary, the busy cowherds around him already picked up on that verse and helped the monk memorize it. Then, one day, Mahapanthaka took the dullest of his acolytes, including his younger brother, to drug-sde Upananda and Sadavargika,  students of the Buddha notable for causing problems for him with their wayward behavior. Upananda asked Chulapanthaka to return to his spiritual initiator and ask for a verse for recitation.

Arahant Panthaka gave him a verse but concluded that using a coaxing or abusive method would be effective in making him memorize the verse. Accordingly, Panthaka took Kshudrapanthaka by the neck and threw him outside the Jetavana grove, saying that the latter was stupid. The younger brother sat outside weeping until Shakyamuni intervened. The enlightened being consoled the weeping monk that it is better to be reproached by the wise than praised by the ordinary. Then, the Buddha asked Ananda, his personal attendant, to instruct him. However, it again turned out to be an unsuccessful task.

Finally, the Buddha addressed Chudapanthaka and taught him two lines:

"Get rid of the dust! Get rid of the impurities!"

Sadly, the younger Panthaka was again unsuccessful in memorizing these two lines. Then, the Buddha realized the cause of his dull-wittedness was his past ill actions and that the results of these should be removed first. Sakyamuni then ordered Chulapanthaka to clean the monks' shoes while he instructed those monks to teach those two lines to him. Finally, Chudapanthaka succeeded in memorizing those two lines.

The Buddha then asked him to sweep the temple while reciting the same two lines. By the Bhagavan's grace, the sweeping of the dust became unending while the younger Panthaka rigorously chanted the two lines. In one of those days, the demerits of his past life were erased, and he finally wondered about the meaning behind those two lines. Similarly, he started wondering about all those verses that he was taught. By dwelling on the meaning of those verses, he attained Āryamārga (the path of the respectable) and later the rank of dgra-bcom-pa (victory over the enemy).

More Legends On Arhat Chudapanthaka 

After the sudden change in his intellect, some people criticized the Buddha's teachings as they were meant to be profound, but how could a fool like Chudapanthaka comprehend those lessons? In order to refute those claims, Ananda appointed the younger Panthaka as the spiritual leader of the bhiksuni. However, some bhiksunis were dissatisfied and decided to plot on Chudapanthaka. To shame him for his foolishness, they asked him to give religious instruction and to perform the ceremony of confession every half month. When the day came, they set up a very high throne for him without any sidestep ladder, making it difficult to mount. 

When Chudapanthaka saw this, he wondrously stretched out his hand as long as an elephant trunk and sat upon the throne. He then spoke for seven days and nights on the meaning of that verse, which he had taken three months to learn by heart. By the end of the lesson, he gained many faithful disciples. Hence, the Buddha referred to him as "the best of his dge-slon who changed the thinking of others."

On another occasion, physician Jivaka once invited the Buddha and his assembly to a midday meal at his Venuvana grove in Rajagriha. However, he intentionally did not invite Chulapanthaka. The Buddha decided to keep an empty seat in honor of the Chudapanthaka and instructed Jivaka to invite him, as his assembly is incomplete without him. Still awry, the physician decided to invite the Arhat but not honor him like others. A messenger was sent to the Buddha's grove, where Chudapanthaka displayed one thousand two hundred and fifty forms of the Buddha and his assembly filling the grove. When the messenger called out his name, all those forms replied, confusing him. Hence, he went back, sharing his disarray, to which Sakyamuni suggested calling out for the 'real' Chulapanthaka each time. When this was done, Kshudrapanthaka ended the illusion and came to the midday meal.

However, Jivaka gave him food upon his arrival but did not offer due honor and respect per his initial plan. The Arhat then once again miraculously extended his hand as long as an elephant's trunk, took the Buddha's bowl, and ate the food inside it. Upon seeing this, Jivaka was filled with remorse for undermining the Arahant. The physician asked for forgiveness and performed his reverence with no further complications. Such numerous deeds made Chudapanthaka gain wide fame as someone who fully understood the Buddha's teachings despite his slow start. 

Iconography of Arhat Chudapanthaka In Vajrayana Arts

The iconography of Arhat Chudapanthaka in Vajrayana art serves as a rich and symbolic portrayal of his spiritual journey, accomplishments, and his role as a guardian of the Dharma. Below are the essential elements that characterize his artistic representations:

1. Seated Posture: Chulapanthaka is frequently shown in a seated meditative pose, representing his profound inner peace and steadfast dedication to spiritual enlightenment. His meditation stance illustrates his discipline and determination to conquer the obstacles he encountered on his journey to awakening.

2. Monastic Robes (Tricivara): He is typically shown wearing the traditional monastic robes, known as the tricivara. These robes are symbolic of his renunciation of worldly attachments and his commitment to the monastic life.

3. Dhyana Mudra: The posture of his hands is shown in the Dhyana Mudra, which is a gesture of meditation. In this mudra, his hands rest in his lap with the palms facing upward, the right hand resting over the left. The Dhyana Mudra represents his profound meditative state, serenity, and focus. This hand gesture illustrates his achievement of inner peace and tranquility through regular meditation practice.

4. Serene and Compassionate Expression: Kshudrapanthaka is typically depicted with a serene and compassionate expression, exuding calmness and wisdom, as one of the sixteen Arhats. His demeanor reflects quiet dignity, representing his journey from a slow learner to an enlightened individual. His gaze may be directed either downward or slightly upward, suggesting his profound meditation and understanding of existence.

5. Presence of a Natural Setting or Landscape: Often, Chudapanthaka is depicted in a tranquil and natural environment, such as a peaceful garden, forest, or near a body of water. These settings refer to his dwelling place, the holy abode at Vulture's Peak, near Rajagriha. He lives there in solitude and reflection, emphasizing his ascetic life and renunciation of worldly distractions.

6. Aura of Enlightenment: He is often depicted with a gentle aura or halo around his head or body. This radiance represents his enlightened state and the clarity of his mind, which has overcome delusion and ignorance through dedicated meditation and effort.

7. Symbolic Colors and Artistic Representation: The color palette used to depict Chulapanthaka typically features warm tones like gold, ochre, and brown, symbolizing his spiritual refinement and inner light. The golden shades represent his wisdom, while the earthy colors highlight his grounding in the Dharma and his connection to the physical world.

8. Surrounded by his retinue: Chudapanthaka is sometimes shown surrounded by other disciples or Arhats. This highlights his role as an ascetic living in the nature with 1,000 other Arhats.

The symbolic iconography of Arhat Chudapanthaka tells a story of perseverance, transformation, and compassion. His representations highlight the virtues of patience, mindfulness, and commitment to the Dharma. His calm and reflective posture inspires practitioners to develop equanimity and inner peace, and through these symbols, his image stands as a strong representation of the transformative power of mindfulness and the potential for enlightenment in all beings.

Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Arhat Chudapanthaka

The lasting legacy of Arhat Chudapanthaka is rooted in his remarkable transformation from someone seen as inadequate to an enlightened being, representing the universal potential for awakening. His story crosses cultural and temporal boundaries, providing a timeless lesson on the importance of perseverance, faith, and the transformative power of Buddha's lessons. His journey, characterized by early struggles and eventual mastery, highlights the notion that enlightenment is not just for the intellectually gifted or spiritually advanced but is attainable for anyone who sincerely seeks it.

In a broader sense, Chudapanthaka's story highlights the universal truth that anyone can achieve enlightenment and personal growth if they are willing to put in the effort. His life serves as a lasting example of how transformation is not only attainable but often grounded in the simplest and most consistent practices. His legacy continues to motivate those who strive to overcome their own challenges and attain a deeper sense of clarity and understanding.