The Blessings From Gopaka's Book
Arhat Gopaka is distinguished by the sacred book he holds in his hands among the sixteen Arhats. The book is a true symbol of wisdom and spiritual enlightenment. Hence, it is his attribute that signifies his dedication to upholding Buddha's teachings and preserving them until the arrival of Maitreya, the future Buddha. It is said that those who see or touch Gopaka's attribute (the sacred book) will gain his blessings, which have the power to help them gain knowledge of the arts and sciences. They will gain the discernment that will enable them to overcome human misery, become a religious guide, become possessed with pure wisdom, and become one of the chief disciples of Sakyamuni.
In this read, we will unravel the story of Arhat Gopaka, his origins, his place in Buddhist iconography, and more to understand the legacy of this revered figure.
The Legacy of the Sixteen Arhats In Vajrayana
In Vajrayana Buddhism, the Sixteen Arhats or Sthaviras play a crucial role as protectors of the Dharma, entrusted by the Buddha to safeguard his teachings until Maitreya, the future Buddha, arrives. Their presence represents the ongoing wisdom and the victory of enlightenment over ignorance as someone who attained Nirvana. Prominently depicted in Tibetan art, thangkas, and sacred rituals, these enlightened beings act as a connection between the Buddha’s teachings and the spiritual goals of practitioners.
Each Arhat of the sixteen Arhats, with their distinct attributes and symbols, represents a specific aspect of the Buddha’s teachings, making them relatable and inspiring to followers. They are also seen as powerful spiritual guardians, called upon for blessings to maintain the Dharma in the face of challenges and distractions. The legacy of the Arhats in Vajrayana Buddhism is not just in their protective role but also in their ability to motivate practitioners to develop mindfulness, wisdom, and steadfast faith on the journey to liberation.
The Life of Gopaka Before His Arhatship
Gopaka, also referred to as Neten Beche (gnas brtan sbed byed) in Tibetan, was born to wealthy parents in ancient India during the time when Shakyamuni Buddha journeyed across the land. However, the wealthy couple welcomed an unhealthy boy who came out into this world, being covered with ulcers and sores. When those lesions burst, blood and pus would ooze out, leaving behind an unpleasant smell that disturbed everybody. The father used all the means available to him through his position and wealth to cure his son's illness by consulting the best physicians and sorcerers. Sadly, the child's condition did not become any better. Hence, the child was always covered well with a cloth to conceal his ill condition, a sight that was considered unpleasant by the onlookers.
One fine day, Gopaka happened to visit Jetavana, a grove dwelled by Sakyamuni Buddha. Seeing the perfect person, the young man was filled with wonder and bowed down in reverence. The Buddha then gave a religious lesson to the new visitor and as a result, a young Gopaka fully realized the impermanence of Pancaskandha or the Five Aggregates and became a monk right there. He followed the pure practices required of a monk and fully indulged himself in the Buddha's lessons. When he reached the required age, he was fully ordained as a monk and within time, he also gained the rank of a Sthavira. Hearing his story, Gopaka's young friends, too, received religious instructions and became monks.
Gopaka's Early Life Was A Result Of His Past Deeds
Arhat Gopaka's transition from suffering in constant pain due to his lesions to an enlightened being piqued curiosity among other disciples of the Buddha. When they asked the reason behind his possession of such profound wisdom, Tathagata replied that Arahant's initial illness was a result of his past wrong actions.
In one of his previous births, Gopaka was a trader in the holy city of Varanasi. At that time, he was in a constant riff with another trader. In order to remove his rival from the business, Gopaka, in his previous birth, had deceived the king of the land and won royal favors by gifting the king with lavish presents. In time, Gopaka accused his rival trader of false accusations of criminal acts and sought the king's permission to inflict punishment on the innocent trader. The king, being blinded by Gopaka's fawning, also gave permission, and the innocent trader was whipped. Moreover, when his wounds started to bleed, powdered poison was rubbed into them to make him suffer even more pain. His whole body erupted into ulcers, and soon he was covered in pus. Eventually, feeling ill-treated, the victim trader renounced his worldly existence and became a monk. Even without a spiritual teacher, he became a Buddha due to his sheer dedication. He attained the rank of Pratyekabuddha, 'a buddha by oneself.'
Having overcome the grief of his bitter past, the Pratyekabuddha returned to Gopaka to make the latter realize his bad deed, a way to help him. Now a repenting man, Gopaka prostrated in front of the enlightened being to whom he had done damage and begged for forgiveness. He then made offerings of food, drinks, refreshments, and clothes and also offered various prayers of repentance. As the karma wheels around, the repentant trader eventually dies under the whip in five hundred births. Hence, even in his current birth, he suffered from the lesions due to his remaining bad karma.
Hence, the leading lessons from Arhat Gopaka's life are the relentless nature of the law of karma and the virtue of Buddha's teachings.
Iconography of Arhat Gopaka in Buddhist Art
Arhat Gopaka holds an essential position in Buddhist art and symbolism. His iconography reflects his wisdom, dedication to the Dharma, and his role as a guardian of the Buddha’s teachings. Here are the key features commonly found in his iconography:
- Seated Posture: Neten Beche is frequently depicted sitting in a composed posture, symbolizing his calm and enlightened nature. His poised demeanor showcases inner peace and deep mindfulness, essential qualities of an Arhat.
- Monastic Robes (Tricivara): He is portrayed wearing traditional monastic robes, often adorned with intricate floral or linear patterns. These robes signify his renunciation of worldly attachments and his commitment to a life devoted to the Dharma.
- Book as His Attribute: A notable feature in Gopaka's depiction is the book he holds in his hands. This book represents his dedication to studying, preserving, and sharing Buddhist teachings, as well as his profound wisdom.
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Serene Expression: His facial expression is calm and composed, conveying tranquility and compassion. This aspect emphasizes his enlightenment and his role as a spiritual guide for those seeking liberation.
- Presence of Natural Elements: Arhat Gopaka is surrounded by a natural setting, such as mountains or trees. These elements signify his dwelling place in Mt. Bihula, a harmonious connection with nature, and his transcendence beyond worldly concerns.
- Aura of Enlightenment: Like other Arhats, Gopaka is often shown with a luminous aura or halo around his head. This symbolizes his spiritual purity and the radiant wisdom he embodies as an enlightened being.
- Accompanied by Retinue: Gopaka is often shown alongside 1,400 other Arhats, highlighting his significance as a guardian and teacher of the Dharma.
- Symbolic Coloration: He is usually illustrated with golden or radiant colors, symbolizing his inner spiritual purity and deep connection to the Buddha's teachings. The use of bright colors emphasizes his enlightened state and unwavering wisdom.
The iconography of Arhat Gopaka in Vajrayana Buddhism highlights his essential role as a guardian of the Buddha’s teachings and a guide toward enlightenment. Elements like the book representing wisdom, his calm and compassionate expression, and the radiant aura and natural surroundings further emphasize his portrayal as a balanced, enlightened being, embodying the essence of the Buddha’s Dharma. These artistic representations go beyond mere decoration; they serve as deep reminders of the qualities that practitioners aim to develop—wisdom, peace, and compassion.
Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Arhat Gopaka's Wisdom
Arhat Gopaka's life story illustrates the profound impact of wisdom and spiritual practice. Born into a world filled with suffering, the Arhat faced significant hardships stemming from his past karmic actions. One of the most notable challenges he encountered was the pain of severe ulcers, a physical reflection of his previous negative karma. These ailments served as a constant reminder of the repercussions of his past deeds, affecting him both physically and mentally. However, rather than succumbing to despair, his suffering became a powerful agitator for his spiritual awakening.
Recognizing that his pain was a result of his past actions, Gopaka approached the Buddha’s teachings with renewed fervor. He came to understand that suffering is an inherent part of life, yet it can be transcended through the cultivation of wisdom, ethical behavior, and mindfulness. Despite the physical agony caused by his ulcers, he embraced the teachings of impermanence and the law of karma, gradually cleansing himself of the negative karmic influences that had led to his suffering. Through unwavering meditation and discipline, Gopaka ultimately overcame his affliction and attained the state of an Arhat.
As an Arhat, Gopaka found liberation from the cycle of birth and death, transforming his once-painful existence into a powerful testament to the transformative potential of Dharma. The wisdom he acquired from his suffering fostered deep compassion for others, as he recognized that all beings are trapped in the same cycle of suffering and can break free through spiritual practice. His sacred text is a lasting symbol of his enlightenment and encapsulates the wisdom he gained through his trials. His story serves as a reminder that even the darkest past can be transcended, and through genuine practice, one can attain liberation and inner peace.
Arhat Gopaka’s legacy, born from his personal journey of overcoming suffering, continues to inspire many practitioners on the path to enlightenment. His life serves as a reminder that even amidst profound suffering and the weight of past karmic consequences, the journey of wisdom and virtue provides a means to rise above suffering and achieve true liberation. Through his example, we are motivated to face our own suffering with understanding and compassion, recognizing that transformation is attainable through dedicated spiritual practice.
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