Rahula Holds A Diadem In His Hands

Arhat Rahula, also known as Rahulabhadra, holds a significant place in the history of Buddhism. He is primarily renowned for the distinctive diadem he is often depicted holding, a symbol that emphasizes his spiritual status and significance in Buddhist iconography. The origin of the precious diadem is traced back to the time when Rahulabhadra went to the Heaven of the Thirty-Three gods to make converts. There, many children of the gods were set on the path of liberation, and in gratitude, they all took off their diadems and presented them to the Arhat. He accepted them and transformed them into one diadem.

And, it is said that any devotee who places the diadem on their head will receive the blessing of Arhat Rahulabhadra. His blessing will enable the devotees to vanquish their inner passions and comprehend all the words spoken by the Buddha, and they receive the blessings of all the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.

In this blog post, we will explore the life of Arhat Rahula, his path to becoming an Arhat, and his place in Vajrayana.

Who Is an Arhat in Vajrayana?

The term "Arhat" (Sanskrit), "Louhan" (Chinese), or "Arahant" (Pāli) refers to an individual who has reached enlightenment and is regarded as a "worthy one" deserving of respect. Arhats were among the closest disciples of the Buddha, receiving direct teachings from Shakyamuni Buddha to attain Nirvana and escape the cycle of samsara (birth, death, and rebirth). They play an essential role in preserving the Buddha's teachings and are expected to await the future Buddha, Maitreya while protecting the Dharma for future generations. Having achieved spiritual liberation, Arhats exemplifies the ideal of overcoming attachment, desire, and ignorance. Their attainment of Nirvana marks the end of suffering, and they serve as living examples of the Buddha's path to enlightenment, providing inspiration and guidance to all practitioners on their spiritual journeys.

Discover the identities of the sixteen Arhats and their legendary origins.

The Humble Origins of Rahulabhadra

Arhat Rahula was the sole son of Siddhartha Gautama and Yasodhara, born in the Shakya kingdom. His birth holds deep symbolic meaning, as he was born before his father renounced the world and attained enlightenment. The night Siddhartha left the royal palace, he contemplated that the world would consider him a cowardly person to face the world, but he was sure that if he had a son, the latter would be one of the 'illuminating lights' because of Yasodhara's merits in her previous lives. Hence, the prince became sure of his decision and left the palace to become an ascetic at the Nairanjana River, an event known as the Great Departure (Mahabhinishkramana).

When a pregnant Yasodhara came to know that the prince had left her, given up the kingdom, and become an ascetic, she was devastated. She then jumped into a fire, intending to commit suicide, but the divine child in her womb intervened. She was completely unharmed in the fire. Soon, a son was born and was named Rahula, meaning a fetter on a path. There are many accounts of Rahula's birth, with the Mūlasarvāstivāda tradition saying that Rāhula was conceived on the very day Prince Siddhartha renounced his royal life, and he was born six years later, coinciding with Prince Siddhārtha's enlightenment as the Buddha. This lengthy gestation period was attributed to the negative karma from the previous lives of both Yaśodharā and Rāhula. 

Even so, a young Rahula lived a royal life, full of luxuries as a prince and an heir to the Shakya throne. It was only when he was six that his father, the Buddha, returned to his homeland. It is said that Yasodhara used this chance to hold him back. Thus, she offered the Buddha delicious foods and drinks. She then asked a young Rahula to give his ascetic father a pastry that contained properties to entice him back, but the divine being already knew the scheme. When the young boy came to him, the Buddha manifested in five hundred identical forms. Despite this, Rahula singled out the true Buddha and gave him the pastry, which the latter accepted and eventually gave to his son. A little boy that he was, Rahula, ate the food. During this time, when it was time for Tathagata to take his leave, Rahula kept following him.

In response, the Buddha ordained Rāhula as the first novice monk. He guided the young monk in understanding truth, self-reflection, and the concept of not-self, which would later lead to Rahula's enlightenment. The story of Rahula’s birth holds significant importance in Buddhist teachings. It underscores the Buddha’s dedication to renunciation and the pain associated with attachment. Following the arrival of his son, Siddhartha faced the realities of parenthood and the responsibilities that come with being a father.

Iconography of Arhat Rahula In Vajrayana

Arhat Rahula’s iconography in Vajrayana Buddhism beautifully captures his youthful innocence alongside his deep spiritual achievements. Being the son of the Buddha, his journey to enlightenment is distinct, and his artistic representations act as a strong reminder of the possibility of awakening for anyone, no matter their age or background. His images, found in thangkas and various forms of Buddhist art, combine elements of purity and wisdom, emphasizing his early dedication to monastic life and his profound understanding of the Dharma.

Here are some key features typically associated with Arhat Rahula's iconography in Vajrayana Buddhism:

1. Monastic Robes: Rahula is dressed in the tricivara (three robes): an outer robe that drapes over his left shoulder, with an inner robe worn underneath. These robes represent a life of renunciation.
2. Youthful Appearance: Arhat Rahula is typically portrayed as a young and vibrant figure, embodying the early age at which he embraced monastic life and his potential for spiritual development. His youthful appearance symbolizes the purity of mind and the innocence necessary for achieving enlightenment. 
3. Seated Posture: He is portrayed seated in a lotus position (padmasana) on a lotus throne, which symbolizes purity and spiritual awakening.
4. Facial Expression: Rahula displays a serene and compassionate expression, embodying wisdom and maturity.
5. Diadem in His Right Hand: In his right hand, Rahula holds a diadem, symbolizing his spiritual nobility. His left hand may be positioned in a teaching mudra or holding a symbolic lotus flower.
6. Accompanied by Retinue: He is often depicted alongside 1000 other arhats. He lives with them in Priyangudvipa, northern India. 
7. Sacred Setting: Rahula is frequently shown in a sacred, meditative environment, highlighting his enlightened state.

In summary, Arhat Rahula’s iconography in Vajrayana Buddhism combines his youthful innocence and profound spiritual insight with the mystical aspects of tantric Buddhism. This highlights not only his achievement of arhatship but also his significance as an enlightened figure within the Vajrayana tradition. His visual representation acts as both a meditation aid and a source of inspiration for practitioners seeking enlightenment.

Legend On His Dwelling Place

The dwelling place of Arahant Rahulabhadra is Priyangudvipa, situated in the northern region of Jambudvipa. As instructed by the Buddha, Sthavira Rahula did not pass away from this world but remained in Priyangudvipa with his retinue to preserve and propagate the Buddha's teachings.

Regarding the origin of Priyangudvipa, it is said that during the age of Kasyapa Buddha, there was a city consisting of many hundred thousand homes that fell into ruins. In the center of the city, there was a palace built out of five different kinds of precious gems, which became submerged. Later, when Sakyamuni Buddha came into this world, the city flourished again, but the land was ruled by an evil king. Rahula had brought religious knowledge to the people of this land, which restored faith and goodness among the people. Hence, the Arhat eventually chose this place as his dwelling land.

Conclusion: Arhat Rahula’s Lasting Legacy

The life of Arhat Rahula exemplifies the transformative impact of the Buddha's teachings and the accessibility of enlightenment. As the son of Siddhartha Gautama, his path to spiritual awakening showcases his personal commitment to the Dharma despite his family background. Ordained as a novice monk at a tender age, Rahula's early dedication to monastic life and the Buddha’s teachings guided him toward Arhatship, where he overcame attachment and recognized the impermanence of all things.

Rahula's achievement of Arhatship in Vajrayana Buddhism underscores the belief that spiritual realization is attainable for anyone who practices mindfulness and determination. His iconography, particularly the image of him holding a diadem, highlights both his spiritual purity and noble lineage, serving as a reminder to practitioners that enlightenment is not confined by age, background, or status. His wisdom conveys that true insight arises from direct experience and reflection, rather than mere intellectual comprehension.

Ultimately, Rahula’s legacy continues to motivate Buddhists, especially within Vajrayana traditions, where his story represents the potential for enlightenment in every individual. His life encourages practitioners to cultivate compassion, discipline, and self-reflection on their spiritual journeys. His path serves as a reminder that with perseverance and the right intention, liberation is attainable, regardless of one’s circumstances or beginnings.