A Look Into the Sixteen Arhats And Their Impact on Buddhist Practice

The sixteen Arhats hold a deeply revered position in the vast spiritual landscape of Buddhism. They are also called the “Noble Ones” or Sthavira in Sanskrit. They were the enlightened disciples of the Shakyamuni Buddha; hence, they all played an essential role in preserving and protecting the teachings of the Dharma. The term "Arhat" refers to one who has attained Nirvana and broken free from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara). These noble figures are regarded as beings who have achieved a state of spiritual perfection and personal liberation. Unlike Bodhisattvas, who remain on earth to help others achieve enlightenment, Arahants are celebrated for their role in safeguarding the Buddha’s teachings.

Therefore, the sixteen Ariyas hold particular importance, particularly in Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism. They vowed to protect the Dharma until the coming of the next Buddha, Maitreya. This promise made them guardians of the Buddha’s teachings, ensuring that the Dharma remains intact across time and space. Their presence in Buddhist texts, art, and rituals is a testament to their lasting significance, and they continue to inspire practitioners on their own spiritual journeys.

In this blog, we will delve into the origins, iconography, roles, and contemporary significance of the sixteen Arahants in Buddhism while exploring their place in modern practice and why their legacy continues to matter. Here, Arahants, Ariyas, Pacceka Buddhas, Srotapanna, Sakadagami, Anagami, all refer to the same entity: the Arhats. 

The Origin of the 16 Arhats

It is believed that Sakyamuni Buddhi preached the Dharma to countless disciples. Among them, he had chosen sixteen of his disciples to remain immortals in this world in order to spread the Dharma. He also instilled the values of assisting sentient beings on the path to enlightenment. And those sixteen disciples attained the spiritual level of an arhat, the highest state of enlightenment, a spiritual freedom from ignorance and suffering.

Upon the Buddha’s passing into Parinirvana (final Nirvana), the Arhats took on the responsibility of preserving the Buddha’s teachings. According to the Ekottara Agama scripture, the Arahants received a special directive from the Buddha to safeguard the Dharma until the arrival of Maitreya, the future Buddha. This eternal vow made them timeless custodians of the sacred teachings.

The Arhat tradition is deeply rooted in early Buddhism while it has evolved and adapted across various regions over centuries. This evolution has been influenced by cultural, historical, and philosophical factors. The concept of the Arhat emerged in India during the time of the Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama. Meanwhile, in Vajrayana Buddhism, Arhats are practiced as yidams, personal deities, or meditation deities. They are often invoked in tantric rituals and ceremonies.

Without a hitch, the Ariya tradition has continued to evolve and adapt in different regions, reflecting the diverse cultural and religious contexts in which it has been practiced. In Chinese Buddhism, they are referred to as Luohan, and their worship became especially widespread during the Tang Dynasty. For all these reasons, the Arahants symbolize the imperishable nature of the Dharma. Their legends have continued to grow. And today, they are still venerated in many Buddhist traditions, especially in East Asia and the Tibetan Buddhist schools, where their role as protectors remains central to the faith.

The 16 Arhats: Names and Responsibilities

Each of the Arhats has a unique role in preserving and protecting the Dharma. Below is a detailed list of their names, attributes, and responsibilities:

1. Pindola Bharadvaja

• Iconography: Depicted holding a book or begging bowl, symbolizing his knowledge of the scriptures and his renunciation of material wealth.
• Responsibility: Pindola is responsible for guiding the other Ariyas and ensuring that the Dharma is preserved through the ages.

2. Kanaka Bharadvaja

• Iconography: Shown with a begging bowl, symbolizing detachment from material goods and attachment to the Dharma.
• Responsibility: He protects the Dharma through compassion and inspires practitioners to renounce materialism.

3. Kalika

• Iconography: Often shown in meditation or holding a staff, symbolizing his strength in focus.
• Responsibility: Kalika teaches practitioners the importance of deep meditation as a means of overcoming worldly distractions and realizing the truth.

4. Vajriputra

• Iconography: Depicted holding a fly whisk, symbolizing his spiritual power and dignity.
• Responsibility: He represents strength and perseverance on the spiritual path, protecting practitioners from inner and outer obstacles.

5. Bhadra

• Iconography: Shown with prayer beads, symbolizing devotion and mantra recitation.
• Responsibility: Bhadra reminds practitioners of the importance of constant devotion and mindfulness in the spiritual path.

6. Kanakavatsa

• Iconography: Depicted holding a jewel lasso, a gift by the nagas.
• Responsibility: He is a protector of the Buddha’s words, using his eloquence to spread the Dharma far and wide.

7. Gopaka

• Iconography: Depicted holding a book, symbolizing his role in preserving and transmitting the Buddha’s teachings.
• Responsibility: Gopaka upholds the wisdom of the Buddha and helps guide others on the path of enlightenment

8. Rahula

• Iconography: Often shown with a diadem, symbolizing his royal lineage.
• Responsibility: Rahula represents filial devotion to both the Buddha and the Dharma.

9. Nagasena

• Iconography: Depicted with a monk's staff in his right hand and a vase in his left.
• Responsibility: His responsibility is to teach and clarify the Buddha’s Dharma.

10. Angaja

• Iconography: Shown in meditation, emphasizing moral discipline and focus.
• Responsibility: Angaja teaches practitioners the importance of discipline in overcoming distractions and achieving liberation.

11. Vanavasin

• Iconography: Often shown in a forest setting, representing his ascetic life.
• Responsibility: Vanavasin exemplifies the importance of solitude and meditation in achieving spiritual insights.

12. Panthaka

• Iconography: Depicted holding a garment, symbolizing his ability to transform and adapt to circumstances.
• Responsibility: He guides practitioners through the process of spiritual transformation.

13. Bakula

• Iconography: Depicted with a mongoose in his hands.
• Responsibility: Bakula ensures that the Buddha’s teachings are transmitted accurately.

14. Abheda

• Iconography: Shown with a sword, symbolizing his ability to cut through ignorance.
• Responsibility: He represents wisdom and the cutting away of delusions that obscure the truth.

15. Chudapanthaka

• Iconography: Often shown in meditation, representing mindfulness and focus.
• Responsibility: Chudapanthaka teaches the importance of mindfulness in maintaining spiritual clarity.

16. Ajita

• Iconography: Depicted with his hands in Dhyana Mudra.
• Responsibility: Ajita ensures protection and devotion to a practitioner.

The Iconography of the Sixteen Arhats

Also known as the Pacceka Buddhas, the Arahants are depicted across multiple cultures and regions. While these arts and crafts may differ, there are certain commonalities that make their depictions instantly recognizable. In Buddhist art, the Arahants are prominently placed with Shakyamuni Buddha as the central figure. They surround him as the Buddha's disciples. The Ariyas are often portrayed as aged monks, wearing traditional robes and displaying unique attributes or symbols that represent their enlightened qualities and their role as protectors of the Dharma.

Common Symbols and Attributes

Each Arhat is associated with specific symbols that convey their spiritual powers and responsibilities. These symbols are often used in paintings, sculptures, and thangkas (Buddhist scroll paintings) to help devotees identify and understand their significance.

1. Pindola Bharadvaja: Pindola is the leader of the 16 Arhats. He is typically depicted holding a book or a begging bowl. The book represents his vast knowledge of the Buddha’s teachings, while the begging bowl symbolizes his monastic discipline and renunciation of material wealth.
2. Kanaka Bharadvaja: Often shown holding a begging bowl, Kanaka Bharadvaja is a symbol of compassion and detachment from materialism. His portrayal emphasizes the virtue of renunciation.
3. Kalika: A master of meditation, Kalika is often depicted holding a staff or seated in a meditative posture. His serene expression and simple attributes convey the strength and tranquility that come from deep meditation.
4. Vajriputra: Holding a thunderbolt (vajra), Vajriputra symbolizes the strength and determination required to overcome obstacles on the spiritual path. The vajra represents indestructible power, a key quality of this Arhat.
5. Bhadra: Depicted with prayer beads, Bhadra signifies devotion and constant recitation of mantras. His image is a reminder to practice devotion and maintain a pure heart.
6. Kanakavatsa: Known for his eloquence, Kanakavatsa is often shown holding a lotus or a scroll, symbolizing his ability to communicate the Dharma with great skill.
7. Gopaka: Gopaka maintains the integrity of the scriptures and ensures that the wisdom of the Buddha remains pure and unaltered.
8. Rahula: The Buddha’s son, Rahula is often depicted with a diadem, symbolizing his royal background and his deep connection to the Buddha. His image conveys purity and the control of negative emotions.
9. Nagasena: Depicted with a monk's staff, Nagasena represents the power of knowledge and the importance of teaching the Dharma with precision and compassion.
10. Angaja: Known for his strict discipline, Angaja is typically shown in a meditative posture, emphasizing the importance of moral discipline in the spiritual life.
11. Vanavasin: Vanavasin is the hermit of the Arhats. He is often depicted in a forest setting, symbolizing his detachment from worldly affairs and his dedication to meditation and solitude.
12. Panthaka: Panthaka is shown holding a sacred book and making the Dharmachakra Mudra. This symbolizes his ability to change forms and guide others in their spiritual transformation.
13. Bakula: Bakula is often portrayed holding a mongoose in his hands, representing his role as a bestower of five senses.
14. Abheda: Abheda is depicted with a sword, symbolizing his ability to cut through ignorance and false views. His image emphasizes the importance of wisdom in overcoming delusion.
15. Chudapanthaka: Known for his mastery of mindfulness, Chudapanthaka is typically shown in deep contemplation or holding a staff, representing the importance of mental focus in spiritual practice.
16. Ajita: Ajita is the final protector of the Dharma. Often depicted in meditation, his image symbolizes his role in ensuring the continuity of the teachings. 

Role of the Sixteen Arhats in Protecting the Dharma

The primary role of the Arhats is to protect the Buddha’s teachings, ensuring that they remain intact until the arrival of Maitreya, the next Buddha. According to Buddhist legends, the Anagamis received this responsibility directly from the Buddha, making them eternal guardians of the Dharma. For that reason, they all worked to spread the Dharma, protect peace, and safeguard the teachings.

They are not just historical figures; they are believed to exist in different realms, constantly working to protect the Dharma from degeneration. In times of great spiritual decline or turmoil, their blessings are invoked to restore balance and harmony to the world. They are also seen as protectors against spiritual obstacles, ensuring that practitioners can continue to follow the path without hindrance.

They are also a part of invocation in Buddhist rituals and special ceremonies. Monks and laypeople pray to the them for protection and guidance, asking them to remove obstacles to their practice and ensure the Dharma's longevity.

The 16 Arhats in Vajrayana Buddhism

The Sixteen Arhats are regarded as powerful and protective deities in Vajrayana Buddhism. They are believed to help practitioners overcome obstacles and harm when they grant blessings. They are also associated with specific elements or directions and this association is used in various tantric practices, such as meditation and ritual.

In addition to their individual attributes, the Sixteen Ariyas are often depicted as a group, symbolizing the collective power of enlightenment. They are believed to work together to protect and guide practitioners on the path to enlightenment. They also provide inspiration and guidance for practitioners of all levels. Their iconography continues to be a popular subject in Tibetan and Nepalese art, and their teachings remain relevant to contemporary Buddhist practice.

Contemporary Significance of the Sixteen Arhats

The Sakadagamis continue to be venerated in the modern world, serving as symbols of wisdom, discipline, and dedication to the path of enlightenment. Their vow to protect the Dharma until the arrival of Maitreya ensures that the Tathagata's teachings remain accessible to all who seek them, even in the face of new challenges in the modern world. As Buddhism spreads across the globe, the Arahants have been embraced by new generations of practitioners who take them as the symbols of inner strength and perseverance. Their timeless qualities continue to inspire practitioners, particularly in an age where spiritual teachings are often diluted or misunderstood.

The sixteen Arhats are evergreen guardians of the Sakyamuni's teachings, ensuring that the Dharma remains alive for future generations. Their vow to protect the teachings until the coming of Maitreya gives them a unique role in the Buddhist tradition, one that continues to resonate with practitioners today.

For those on the spiritual path, they offer a living example of what is possible through dedication, discipline, and wisdom. By venerating the Arhats through meditation, prayer, and ritual, practitioners can connect with their protective energy and ensure that the Buddha’s teachings remain a guiding light in their lives.