Tibet
18th century
Tibet
18th century
Arhats are persons who liberated themselves from the cycle of existence, including the original disciples of the Buddha whom he taught after his awakening, when he turned the Wheel of the Dharma. Their monastic practice, study, and moral code represent the path of early Buddhism. They are usually depicted as monks with specific attributes that help identify them. In this painting at the center is the Elder Ajita. Four other elders and attendants surround him. At the upper right is Kalika, at the upper left is Vanavasin, at the lower left is Vajriputra, and at the lower right is Bhadra.These conventions for depicting elders are said to have come to Tibet from China. Tibetan sets of paintings often depict sixteen or eighteen arhats wearing Chinese style monks’ robes. This painting was probably part of a series of similarly composed five paintings.
The continuous cycle of life, death, and rebirth known as samsara. Buddhists believe that it is possible to exit this cycle if one achieves a state of awakening or nirvana by following a prescribed path.
The central goal of Buddhism is the liberation of all beings from suffering and the cycle of life, death, and rebirth, known as samsara, through applying the teachings of the Buddha.
A virtuous feeling and deep respect toward an authentic teaching, teacher, or path. Buddhists believe that expansive study, analysis, and meditation are essential steps for cultivating a healthy and enduring devotion.
Himalayan art includes portraits of legendary and historical humans, including accomplished religious teachers (lamas), the Buddha’s original disciples (arhats), and spiritually accomplished tantric masters (mahasiddhas).
Today, Tibetans primarily inhabit the Tibetan Plateau, situated between the Himalayan mountain range and the Indian subcontinent to the west, Chinese cultural regions to the east, and Mongolian cultural regions to the northeast. During the 7th to 9th century, Tibetan rulers expanded their empire across Central Asia, and established Buddhism as the state religion.
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