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Medicine Buddha Altar & Meditation Garden
Medicine Buddha Altar & Meditation Garden
Medicine Buddha Altar & Meditation Garden holds the statues of Bhaiṣajyaguru (Medicine Buddha), arhats, Vajra Kings, vajras, Primordial Buddhas, and Bodhisattvas. First stop for many who have visited Jinyin Temple and as one of the Temple’s main community spaces, this sacred garden has witnessed many friendships and connections formed between people who were here.
Medicine Buddha
In the Mahayana Buddhism tradition, Medicine Buddha is known and venerated for his power of healing. According to the Medicine Buddha Sutra (Bhaiṣajyaguruvaiḍuryaprabharaja Sutra), all diseases are caused by people’s greed, anger, and delusion. Bhaiṣajyaguru is the Unexcelled Trainer who trains us to tame our mind. When our mind is free from mental afflictions, our physical well-being will also receive health benefits.
In artistic representation, similar to Śākyamuni Buddha, Bhaiṣajyaguru is often depicted with the traditional monastic robes with a serene presence. He sits in a meditative posture upon a lotus throne holding a medicine jar in one hand and shuni mudra in the other, exuding an aura of tranquility and compassion. (What is Shuni Mudra?)
At Jinyin Temple, we hold Bhaiṣajyaguru in deep reverence. We strive to create an environment where individuals can connect with the healing presence of the Medicine Buddha and explore the transformative power of compassion and wisdom in their lives. Everyone is welcome to come to Medicine Buddha Altar & Meditation Garden to practice for wellbeing and awareness. The Medicine Buddha’s practice involves meditation, visualization, and recitation of his mantra, which is believed to carry powerful healing vibrations. Engaging in these practices enables individuals to tap into their own innate capacity for healing and to develop greater empathy and care for others.
One can evoke Bhaiṣajyaguru to receive blessings by chanting the Medicine Buddha Mantra focusing on one’s afflictions and visualizing the Buddha. Visualization practice can be done to alleviate physical and mental pain by visualizing a small form of the Buddha in the actual part of your body or mind where healing is needed. One can practice chanting and visualization for oneself as well as others to receive the blessing of the Medicine Buddha.
Five Tathāgatas
The Five Tathāgatas (五方佛), also known as the Five Dhyani Buddhas, are a central concept in Vajrayana Buddhism. Each Tathāgata represents a different aspect of enlightened consciousness and serves as a meditation focus for practitioners. Here are the five Tathāgatas:
Vairocana: Vairocana, the central and primary Tathāgata, represents the wisdom of the Dharmadhatu (the realm of truth). He embodies the all-pervading nature of ultimate reality and the realization of emptiness.
Akshobhya: Akshobhya, also known as “Immovable,” represents the transformation of anger and aggression into mirror-like wisdom. He is associated with the purification of negative emotions and the cultivation of inner stability and equanimity.
Ratnasambhava: Ratnasambhava embodies generosity, abundance, and the transmutation of pride into the wisdom of equanimity. He represents the richness and preciousness of all phenomena.
Amitabha: Amitabha, also known as “Infinite Light,” is associated with the transformation of desire and attachment into discriminating wisdom. He symbolizes compassion, pure perception, and the aspiration to be reborn in his Pure Land.
Amoghasiddhi: Amoghasiddhi represents the transformation of jealousy and envy into all-accompanying wisdom. He embodies fearlessness, decisive action, and the ability to accomplish positive actions without obstacles.
The practice of meditating on the Five Tathāgatas allows practitioners to cultivate these qualities within themselves, purify negative mental states, and attain realization of the nature of mind. Together, the Five Tathāgatas symbolize the totality of enlightened qualities and provide a comprehensive framework for spiritual development in Vajrayana Buddhism.
Chandraprabha
Commonly seen in depictions and iconography, Bhaiṣajyaguru is accompanied by two main attendants or disciples — Chandraprabha (月光菩薩) and Sūryaprabha (日光菩薩).
As written in the Sutra of the Merits of the Fundamental Vows of Bhaisagyaguru Tathagata of Lapis Lazuli Crystal Radiance (藥師琉璃光如來本願功德經 Yaoshi Liuli Guang Rulai Benyuan Gongde Jing) (Taisho Tripitaka, Vol. 14, No. 450), the buddha realm or the Pure Land of Bhaisagyaguru is described as follows:
In this land, the ground is made of lapis lazuli, the boundaries are demarcated with golden cords, the towns, towers, palaces, pavilions, as well as the balconies, windows and draperies are all made of the Seven Treasures. The merits, virtues and adornments of this realm are identical to those of Amitabha Buddha’s Pure Land in the west. In this land dwell two great bodhisattvas, Universal Solar Radiance and Universal Lunar Radiance. Among the countless bodhisattvas, they are the leaders. Each in turn will serve as successor to the Medicine Buddha and as the able guardian of His True Dharma treasury.
Chandraprabha’s name translates to “Radiant Moon,” symbolizing the purity and luminosity of his enlightened consciousness. In paintings, Chandraprabha is usually portrayed as a bodhisattva with a shining silver or white complexion, representing the gentle radiance of the moon. He embodies the soothing qualities of compassion and healing. Chandraprabha is usually depicted on Bhaiṣajyaguru’s left side. Votive practice towards Chandraprabha allows practitioners to seek inspiration and seek his blessings for spiritual growth and protection.
The observance of Chandraprabha’s sacred day is on the same date as the Mid-Autumn Festival, the 15th day of the eighth month of the Chinese lunisolar calendar, when the moon is at its fullest.
Sūryaprabha
The name Sūryaprabha (日光菩薩) combines “Sūrya,” meaning “sun” in Sanskrit, and “prabha,” which translates to “radiance” or “brilliance.” This name reflects Sūryaprabha’s association with the illuminating wisdom that dispels ignorance and brings forth clarity.
Statues of Chandraprabha and Sūryaprabha closely resemble each other. Sūryaprabha is often depicted or placed on Bhaiṣajyaguru’s right side. In artistic depictions, Sūryaprabha is often depicted with a radiant golden complexion, symbolizing the brilliance of the sun as well as the radiance of wisdom and the transformative effects it can have on individuals seeking healing and spiritual awakening.
Sūryaprabha’s role as an attendant to Bhaiṣajyaguru signifies the importance of wisdom in the context of healing and spiritual well-being. As an embodiment of wisdom, Sūryaprabha represents the transformative power of understanding, insight, and discernment.
Together with Chandraprabha, these two attendants of Bhaiṣajyaguru symbolize the qualities of wisdom and compassion, which are essential in the practice of medicine and healing. Their presence signifies the power of light, both literal and metaphorical, in dispelling darkness and alleviating suffering. Their presence also emphasizes the holistic nature of healing, serving as reminders of the inseparable connection between spiritual well-being and physical health.
Acalanātha
Acalanātha (不動明王) is a deity revered in Vajrayana Buddhism. He is considered a wrathful manifestation of either Vairocana, the buddha Akṣobhya, or the bodhisattva Mañjuśrī. The name “Acalanātha” translates to “Immovable One” or “Unshakable Lord,” reflecting the deity’s steadfastness and unwavering nature. Acalanātha is often depicted with a fierce and wrathful appearance, symbolizing his power to overcome ignorance, delusion, and negative forces.
As a protector deity, Acalanātha guards the teachings of the Buddha and assists practitioners in overcoming obstacles and hindrances on their spiritual path. He is associated with subduing inner and outer disturbances, purifying negative energies, and transforming them into enlightened qualities.
Acalanātha’s wrathful appearance shows his bulging eyes and an angry gesture. He stands on a rock that represents the golden Mount Meru. In one hand, he holds a cable, representing the catching of negative energies, and in the other hand, he holds a sword, representing the cutting through of ignorance and afflictions. Acalanātha’s fierce appearance serves as a reminder of the inherent power within individuals to overcome inner obstacles and transform negative emotions into wisdom and compassion. The deity’s teachings and practices are a means to awaken these qualities and realize the true nature of reality.
Devotion to Acalanātha involves mantra recitation, visualization practices, and rituals performed by practitioners seeking protection and guidance. The practice of Acalanātha is aimed at cultivating fearlessness, inner strength, and the ability to overcome adversity and obstacles on the path to enlightenment.
Yamāntaka
Yamāntaka (大威德明王), also known as Vajrabhairava, is a fierce and wrathful deity in Vajrayana Buddhism. The name “Yamāntaka” combines “Yama,” the lord of death in Hindu and Buddhist mythology, and “antaka,” meaning “destroyer” or “conqueror.” He is thus known as the “Destroyer of Death” and for his power to conquer death, evil and ignorance. Yamāntaka is considered a manifestation of wisdom and compassion in their most wrathful and transformative forms and the wrathful manifestation of Mañjuśrī.
In artistic representations, Yamāntaka shows a fierce expression with his multiple heads, arms, and legs, and rides a water buffalo. He roars to command the evil to stop sinful acts which create obstacles and harm sentient beings. Yamāntaka’a wrathful form represents the powerful force required to cut through the root of ignorance and delusion, paving the way for the realization of enlightenment. The presence of the buffalo underneath Yamāntaka serves as a powerful visual metaphor for the triumph over ignorance, the destruction of delusion, and the realization of enlightened wisdom and compassion.
Yamāntaka’s practice is associated with the transformation of aggression, anger, and ignorance into enlightened qualities, and is aimed at generating inner transformation, fearlessness, and the destruction of all obstacles on the path to liberation. Through practicing, practitioners aim to overcome their fears and negative emotions, attain wisdom, and achieve liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
The votive practice to Yamāntaka involves complex visualization practices, mantra recitation, and ritual ceremonies performed by advanced practitioners. It is considered an advanced tantric practice that requires proper initiation or empowerment, guidance and training from qualified teachers within the Vajrayana tradition.
Hayagrīva
Hayagrīva (馬頭明王), also known as Hayagrīva Mahakala, is a deity revered in both Hinduism and Vajrayana Buddhism. In these traditions, Hayagrīva is associated with knowledge, wisdom, and protection. The name “Hayagrīva” translates to “Horse-Necked” in Sanskrit, referring to the deity’s distinctive iconography.
In Vajrayana Buddhism, Hayagrīva is one of the thousands of transformation bodies of Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. He is believed to possess the power to dispel ignorance, grand insight, and protect against spiritual disturbances. He is often depicted with a fierce expression which symbolizes the courage required to confront and overcome the forces of ignorance and delusion in order to attain higher levels of understanding and realization. His anger derives from his compassion, rather than resentment, for all sentient beings.
The practice of Hayagrīva involves mantra recitation, visualization, and ritual ceremonies performed by practitioners seeking protection, knowledge and the removal of obstacles. Devotional practice to Hayagrīva helps with intellectual pursuits and spiritual growth.
Aparājita
Aparājita (無能勝金剛明王) is the wrathful manifestation of Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva. He is known as “Undefeated,” and often depicted as a wrathful and fierce figure representing the unconquerable nature of enlightened wisdom. Aparājita is associated with the subjugation of negative forces, the removal of obstacles, and the cultivation of fearlessness. As a wisdom king, Aparājita embodies the transformative power of wisdom and compassion. His wrathful form symbolizes the swift and decisive action required to overcome ignorance and delusion.
In visual representations, Aparājita is depicted with multiple heads and arms, each holding various weapons and ritual implements. These attributes represent his ability to engage skillfully with different aspects of existence and to protect practitioners on their spiritual path.
Devotees may call upon Aparājita for guidance, protection, and the removal of obstacles that hinder spiritual progress. By connecting with Aparājita’s enlightened qualities, practitioners aim to cultivate fearlessness, wisdom, and compassionate action in their own lives. To invoke Aparājita, bring your palms together to form the prayer mudra and bow three times to the wisdom king, and recite: om, aparājitah, dhrim, dhrim, rim, rim, jrim, jrim, hūm, phat for as many times as you would like. May the merit of this practice remove your physical and mental burdens.
Mahācakra
Mahācakra (大輪明王), also Mahācakravajri (大輪金剛), is one of the eight main wisdom kings in Mahāyāna Buddhism. He is the wrathful manifestation of Maitreya Bodhisattva.
As a wisdom king, Mahācakra embodies the transformative energy of enlightened awareness and is associated with purifying negative energies and protecting practitioners from obstacles. Devotees may invoke Mahācakra to remove spiritual hindrances, purify negativities, and facilitate spiritual progress.
Mahācakra is often depicted in a wrathful form with multiple heads, arms, and legs, symbolizing his ability to swiftly and skillfully overcome obstacles on the path to enlightenment. The horse underneath Mahācakra’s feet signifies the swift and decisive action required to subdue negativities and cultivate transformative wisdom. The rendering of the wisdom king trampling upon a horse conveys the message that the enlightened qualities embodied by the wisdom king are powerful, unstoppable, and victorious over obstacles. It represents the ability to swiftly transcend limitations and ride the energy of transformation towards spiritual realization. The horse also serves as a symbol of taming and harnessing the mind’s wild and untamed aspects. By subjugating the horse, the wisdom king demonstrates mastery over one’s thoughts, emotions, and mental states, guiding them towards the path of awakening.
Vajrahāsa
Vajrahāsa (大笑明王) is the wrathful manifestation of Akasagarbha Bodhisattva, who is known as the “Boundless Space Treasury,” a bodhisattva associated with the great space and universe, wisdom, emptiness, and the accumulation of merit.
In this artistic representation, Vajrahāsa is shown with a fierce appearance holding various ritual implements and stumbling upon a dragon. In the iconography of Chinese Vajrayana Buddhism, the dragon underneath the feet of a wisdom king symbolizes various aspects. The dragon is a majestic spiritual being and is often seen as a symbol of power, representing the subjugation of negative forces and obstacles. The wisdom king, with the dragon under his feet, signifies his dominion over these forces and his ability to overcome and transform them. Dragons are also associated with primal energy and elemental forces. They embody the fierce and potent energies of the natural world. The dragon beneath Vajrahāsa represents the harnessing and channeling of this raw energy towards spiritual transformation and enlightenment. Moreover, dragons are considered guardians of esoteric knowledge and hidden teachings. Their presence signifies the preservation and protection of sacred wisdom. With the dragon under his feet, Vajrahāsa embodies the mastery of these teachings and their transformative power. Last but not least, dragons are often seen as creatures of metamorphosis and change. They can shed their old forms and emerge in new and more powerful manifestations. The dragon beneath Vajrahāsav represents the ability to undergo profound inner transformation and transcend limitations on the path to enlightenment.
Trailokyavijayarāja
Trailokyavijayarāja, Xiángsānshì míngwáng in Chinese (降三世明王), is considered a fierce and wrathful deity associated with the transmutation of negative forces and the subjugation of obstacles and a manifestation of Akṣobhya, the Primordial Buddha of the eastern quarter. He is one of the Five Wisdom Kings in Vajrayana and the one who “conquered the three worlds.” His mission is to protect the eastern part of the world. The “three worlds” represent the entire world of cyclic existence consisting of the world of desire, the world of form and the formless world. The three worlds also denote the three poisons of Buddhism: greed, hatred and ignorance. Trailokyavijayarāja is worshiped because of his ability to help people eliminate and conquer the three poisons of their minds during the past, present and future time.
Trailokyavijayarāja is often depicted with multiple heads and arms, symbolizing his ability to perceive and act in various dimensions simultaneously. He carries various weapons and implements, representing his power to overcome ignorance and obstacles on the path to enlightenment.
As a wisdom king, Trailokyavijayarāja embodies the wisdom aspect of enlightened awareness, and his fierce form signifies his ability to transform and purify negative emotions and delusions into wisdom. Devotees may invoke Trailokyavijayarāja for protection, removal of obstacles, and the attainment of spiritual insight.
Arhats
Arhats, also known as Arahants, are esteemed figures in Buddhism who have liberated themselves from the cycle of life and death. The term "arhat" translates to "worthy one" or "perfected one" in English. In Buddhist teachings, arhats are considered to have achieved the highest goal of the Theravada tradition.
Arhats are considered to be fully awakened beings who have eradicated all defilements, attachments, and ignorance that bind them to the cycle of samsara—the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.
The attainment of Arhatship signifies the complete realization of the Four Noble Truths taught by the Buddha—the truth of suffering, the truth of the origin of suffering, the truth of the cessation of suffering, and the truth of the path leading to the cessation of suffering.
Arhats are renowned for their wisdom, compassion, and ethical conduct. They have transcended the cycle of rebirth and achieved liberation from the cycle of suffering, freeing themselves from the rounds of birth and death. As enlightened beings, they serve as role models and sources of inspiration for practitioners on the Buddhist path.
Kuṇḍali Vidyārāja
Kuṇḍali Vidyārāja (軍荼利明王) is the wrathful manifestation of Ratnasambhava, the Primordial Buddha of the southern quarter. He is a fierce deity associated with fire and purification and known for his ability to remove obstacles created by the five skandhas, aggregates of clinging (Pañcupādānakkhandhā). Kuṇḍali helps to remove impurities and obstacles that hinder spiritual progress.
Kuṇḍali Vidyārāja is often depicted with a wrathful expression, multiple heads and arms holding various implements and weapons. The deity’s name “Kundali” is associated with the concept of Kundalini, which represents the dormant spiritual energy residing within an individual.
As a wisdom king, Kuṇḍali Vidyārājaembodies the transformative power of wisdom and the purifying force of fire. He is associated with the transmutation of negativity and the purification of defilements, allowing practitioners to attain purity of mind and ultimate spiritual liberation. Devotees may engage in practices and rituals such as fire ritual to invoke the deity’s assistance in purifying negativities, removing obstacles, and attaining spiritual insight.
Piṇḍola Bhāradvāja / Deer-Riding Arhat
Piṇḍola Bhāradvāja (Chinese: 賓度羅跋囉惰阇; Pinyin: Bīndùluóbáluōduòdū) is one of the most revered Arhats in Buddhism, widely known as the Deer-Riding (or Deer-Sitting) Arhat (騎鹿羅漢). His life story embodies the triumph of spiritual awakening over worldly authority and attachment.
Born into a noble family in the Indian city of Kauśāmbī, Piṇḍola first rose to prominence as a minister in the court of King Udayana, who was a contemporary of Gautama Buddha. Though gifted with intelligence, eloquence, and political power, Piṇḍola felt deeply drawn to the Buddha’s teachings. Recognizing the impermanence and suffering inherent in worldly life, he renounced his high position, left the palace, and entered the forest to pursue spiritual cultivation and meditation.
After attaining profound realization, Piṇḍola returned to Kauśāmbī in a dramatic and symbolic way. Riding upon a mystical deer, he appeared before the royal palace. The guards immediately recognized him as the former minister, and King Udayana went out to meet him. When the king invited Piṇḍola to return to court, Piṇḍola instead spoke of the Buddha’s Dharma, using vivid metaphors to explain how desire, pride, and attachment give rise to suffering. His words were so powerful that the king renounced his throne and became a monk, devoting himself to the Buddhist path. Because of this extraordinary event, Piṇḍola became forever known as the Deer-Riding Arhat, a symbol of spiritual authority surpassing worldly power.
Through his practice, Piṇḍola attained many siddhis—supernatural or psychic powers—such as clairvoyance and miraculous abilities. At one point, however, he misused these powers to impress and influence ordinary people out of subtle greed and pride. The Buddha admonished him, reminding him that true liberation lies not in displays of power, but in humility, compassion, and freedom from ego. This correction became an important turning point in Piṇḍola’s spiritual maturity.
According to the earliest Indian Buddhist sutras, Piṇḍola was one of the Four Arhats entrusted by the Buddha to remain in the world (住世 zhùshì) after the Buddha’s passing in order to preserve and propagate the Dharma.
For this reason, he is regarded not only as an enlightened being, but also as a timeless protector of the Buddhist teachings.
Kanāka-Vatsa / Joyous Arhat
Kanāka-Vatsa (Chinese: 迦諾迦伐蹉; Pinyin: Jiānuòjiāfácuō) is one of the revered Arhats in Buddhism and is widely known as the Joyful (or Joyous) Arhat (喜慶羅漢). He represents the happiness that arises from wisdom, clarity, and deep harmony with the Dharma.
In ancient India, Kanāka-Vatsa was renowned as a brilliant scholar and debater. He was thoroughly versed in many systems of philosophy and religion, and he possessed exceptional eloquence. At a time when people were earnestly searching for truth among Buddhism and many other schools of thought, his ability to clearly explain and compare different teachings made him a powerful guide. With his vast knowledge, he could distinguish what was true from what was false, and what was wise from what was unwise—a discernment that brought him inner peace and lasting joy.
Kanāka-Vatsa once explained that ordinary happiness is the pleasure experienced through the five senses—sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and touch. However, he taught that there is a deeper kind of joy called Dharma happiness. This, he said, is the happiness felt without dependence on the senses—the quiet, luminous joy that arises when one’s heart is sincere toward the Buddha and one’s mind abides in the Dharma. This inner joy is stable, pure, and free from attachment.
Because of this profound understanding, Kanāka-Vatsa became known as the Joyful Arhat. He was said to teach with such warmth and clarity that listeners would naturally feel uplifted, their worries dissolving as they heard the truth. His smile and gentle presence embodied the happiness born of awakening rather than external pleasure.
Kanāka-Vatsa is also said to perceive all sounds of the world—good and bad alike—yet to understand their ultimate emptiness, remaining unmoved by them. This reflects his realization that true joy does not depend on outer conditions.
Kanāka-Vatsa thus symbolizes the power of wisdom, eloquence, and compassion to bring peace and happiness to the world. Through his teachings, he dispels confusion and reveals the bliss of the Dharma, inspiring others to discover a joy that is deep, stable, and free.
Kanāka-Bhāradvāja / Alms Bowl-Raising Arhat
Kanāka-Bhāradvāja (Chinese: 迦諾迦跋厘惰阇; Pinyin: Jiānuòjiābálíduòdū) is one of the revered Buddhist Arhats, widely known as the Alms Bowl-Raising (or Alms Bowl-Lifting) Arhat (舉缽羅漢). His life and conduct embody the profound relationship between humility, generosity, and spiritual cultivation.
He lived as a beggar bhikkhu, relying entirely on the charity of virtuous and generous people. Unlike ordinary monks who quietly went on alms-rounds, Kanāka-Bhāradvāja had a distinctive way of requesting food: he would raise his begging bowl above his head and chant, rather than verbally asking for offerings. Some people, irritated by the chanting, gave him food simply so he would leave. Others, however, found his chanting peaceful and recognized him as a spiritual being of unusual depth, and they gave joyfully out of reverence.
Yet Kanāka-Bhāradvāja’s practice was never about obtaining more food. By lifting his bowl high, he was teaching a subtle lesson: true giving should be done with respect, equality, and a pure heart, not from pride, pity, or condescension. In this way, both the giver and the receiver could remain free from arrogance or shame.
Deeply compassionate, Kanāka-Bhāradvāja used his alms-begging as a way to benefit countless beings. In Buddhism, dāna (generosity) is the first of the Six Pāramitās—the Six Perfections that form the foundation of the bodhisattva path. By giving people the opportunity to offer food, he allowed them to practice generosity, accumulate merit, and plant the seeds of wisdom and compassion. Thus, even a simple bowl of rice became a gateway to spiritual growth.
In Buddhist iconography, Kanāka-Bhāradvāja is usually portrayed as a lean, elderly monk with prominent bones, holding his bowl aloft, his compassionate eyes gently gazing downward. His figure expresses both inner humility and outer dignity—one who accepts offerings with equanimity and teaches the Dharma not through words, but through conduct.
As the Alms Bowl-Raising Arhat, Kanāka-Bhāradvāja symbolizes the sacred exchange between giver and receiver, reminding all beings that generosity, when offered and received with purity of mind, becomes a powerful path toward awakening.
Suvinda / Pagoda-Holding Arhat
Suvinda (also known as Supinda; Chinese: 蘇頻陀; Pinyin: Sūpíntuó) is one of the revered Buddhist Arhats and is honored as the Pagoda-Holding (or Stupa-Holding) Arhat (托塔羅漢). His story reflects unwavering faith, gratitude to the Buddha, and lifelong devotion to preserving the Dharma.
Suvinda came to the Buddha at a deeply moving moment—during the Buddha’s final days before entering parinirvāṇa. At that time, many disciples tried to protect the Buddha from being disturbed by new seekers. Yet Suvinda, driven by an intense longing to find the true path to liberation, persisted with sincere determination. Moved by his earnestness, the Buddha allowed him to enter, and Suvinda became the last personal disciple of Śākyamuni Buddha in this world.
Because he was the final disciple to receive the Buddha’s teachings directly, Suvinda felt a profound responsibility to honor and remember his teacher. From that time on, he carried a stupa (pagoda) with him wherever he went. This stupa symbolized more than physical relics or scriptures—it represented the living presence of the Buddha’s Dharma-body, reminding all beings that the Buddha’s wisdom and compassion never truly disappear.
For this reason, Suvinda is always depicted in Buddhist art as a solemn and dignified elder respectfully holding a pagoda, often portrayed as a seven-story stupa. His posture expresses reverence, mindfulness, and unwavering devotion.
As the Pagoda-Holding Arhat, Suvinda symbolizes faithful remembrance, transmission, and protection of the Dharma. He teaches practitioners to never forget the Buddha’s kindness, to treasure the teachings, and to persevere on the path of awakening with humility and gratitude.
Read More: The Symbolic Meanings of Pagoda in Buddhism
Nakula / Meditating Arhat
Nakula (Chinese: 諾距羅; Pinyin: Nuòjùluó) is one of the revered Arhats in Buddhism and is known as the Meditating Arhat (靜坐羅漢). His life story is a powerful example of how even the most violent and restless nature can be transformed through insight and deep meditation.
In his early life, Nakula was a fearsome warrior, unmatched in strength and physical prowess. His immense size and power made him nearly invincible in battle, and he developed brutal, murderous habits, as fighting came as naturally to him as breathing. It was said that throughout all of India, no one could rival him. Yet beneath this fearsome exterior, Nakula slowly began to feel unease. He grew weary of killing and started to reflect on the deeper meaning of life, sensing that something was profoundly wrong with the path he was following.
When he encountered the teachings of the Buddha, Nakula experienced a great awakening of conscience. He realized that although he could easily take life, he could never give life, and that by killing he had selfishly interfered with the destiny of others. Filled with remorse, he renounced violence, sought repentance, and devoted himself to the path of meditation. Through disciplined practice, he gradually came to understand the true nature of existence and ultimately attained awakening.
Even after ordination, Nakula retained his powerful, muscular physique, which made him an unusual sight among the Buddha’s disciples, who were typically seen as gentle and slender meditators. To emphasize his vow never to act impulsively again, Nakula dedicated himself to prolonged, unwavering meditation, using deep concentration to subdue what he called his “inner tiger”—the force of anger, aggression, and defilements.
Because of this extraordinary commitment, people came to call him the Meditating Arhat. In Buddhist art, he is often depicted seated in the full lotus posture on a mountain rock, his eyes slightly closed, expression calm yet resolute, with strong, well-defined muscles. His image captures the harmony of stillness and power, showing how inner tranquility can contain even the greatest force.
Nakula thus symbolizes the transformative power of meditation—the ability of profound stillness to tame destructive habits and turn even a life of violence into a path of wisdom and liberation.
Bhadra / River-Crossing Arhat
Bhadra (Chinese: 跋陀羅; Pinyin: Bátuóluó) is one of the revered Buddhist Arhats, and his name means “Virtue.” According to tradition, he was born beneath a bhadra tree, the “tree of virtue,” during a heavy rain, and so his parents gave him this auspicious name. From an early age, he displayed a natural spiritual affinity. Guided by karmic connection with the Buddha, his parents sent him to become a monk, and he joyfully left home to become a disciple of Śākyamuni Buddha.
Bhadra possessed deep faith in the Buddha’s wisdom and a strong vow to relieve the suffering of all beings. Filled with compassion and determination, he traveled widely to spread the Dharma, eventually journeying eastward—traditionally said to include eastern India and the Lion Country (modern Sri Lanka)—to bring the Buddha’s teachings to distant lands. His resolve and purity of practice were so great that he was said to cross rivers and seas effortlessly, sometimes standing upon a reed or a lotus leaf. For this reason, he became known as the River-Crossing Arhat (過江羅漢).
Early in his monastic life, Bhadra was also entrusted with bathing and purification duties in the monastic community, giving him a symbolic connection with water, cleansing, and spiritual purity. This further reinforced the imagery of his later journeys across rivers and oceans, both literal and spiritual.
Through tireless teaching and compassionate guidance, Bhadra accumulated great merit. He led many disciples to enlightenment, and after attaining siddhis (spiritual powers), he even manifested skillful means to guide his own parents to the Buddhist path. It is said that they too eventually became arhats, completing a family lineage of awakening.
As the River-Crossing Arhat, Bhadra represents the fearless spirit of Dharma transmission and the compassionate resolve to guide all beings from the turbulent shores of suffering to the far shore of enlightenment.
Karika / Elephant-Riding Arhat
Karika (also known as Kālika; Chinese: 迦力迦; Pinyin: Jiālìjiā) is one of the revered Buddhist Arhats and is honored as the Elephant-Riding Arhat. His life illustrates how great inner strength and perseverance can tame even the most unruly forces of the mind.
In his early life, Karika was an elephant tamer in ancient India. Through years of working with these powerful animals, he learned patience, discipline, and the subtle art of guiding great strength with gentle control. These same skills later became the foundation of his spiritual practice when he renounced worldly life and became a monk.
Karika was also born with unusual eyebrows, whose hairs grew extraordinarily long and hung down over his face and body. Though this physical trait made him distinctive, it was his deep connection with mighty creatures like elephants that defined his character. In Buddhist symbolism, the elephant represents immense power, dignity, and stability, but also the heavy, stubborn tendencies of the untamed mind. Karika applied the wisdom he gained from training elephants to subdue the wildness, dullness, and restlessness of his own consciousness.
Through diligent cultivation, Karika attained enlightenment. He became known for embodying steady, tireless progress on the path, never rushing yet never stopping. This is why he is depicted riding a gentle white elephant—a creature of great strength now made peaceful and obedient. The white elephant symbolizes pure vows and unwavering forward movement, while Karika riding upon it represents the practitioner who has learned to direct powerful karmic forces toward awakening.
In Buddhist art, Karika appears as a calm and honest-looking elder. As the Elephant-Riding Arhat, he symbolizes subduing afflictions through disciplined practice and perseverance, and bearing the great responsibility of spreading the Dharma for the benefit of all beings, advancing step by step toward Bodhi.
Vājraputra / Lion-Playing Arhat
Vājraputra (Chinese: 伐阇羅弗多羅; Pinyin: Fádūluófúduōluó) is one of the revered Buddhist Arhats and is known as the Lion-Playing or Laughing Lion Arhat (笑獅羅漢). His story is a moving testament to the power of compassion to transform even the most violent life into one of peace and joy.
In his early years, Vājraputra was a skilled and relentless hunter. He killed countless animals for food, fur, and bone, yet beneath this harsh livelihood, his conscience was troubled. He began to imagine what it would feel like to be hunted himself—his body eaten, his bones turned into tools—and this reflection filled him with unease and remorse. However, he did not know how to escape this cycle of killing until he encountered the teachings of the Buddha, which gave him clarity, relief, and the courage to abandon his profession. He became a monk and vowed never again to harm living beings.
When the animals of the forest learned that Vājraputra had renounced hunting, they gradually approached him without fear. Two lion cubs in particular would come to him while he sat in meditation, playing gently by his side. Seeing their trust, Vājraputra accepted them as companions. Because of this extraordinary harmony between a former hunter and wild beasts, he became known as the Lion-Playing Arhat.
Through diligent cultivation, Vājraputra attained supernatural powers, profound concentration, and deep understanding of the scriptures. He was eloquent and capable of teaching the Dharma, yet he chose to speak very little, preferring to remain in silent meditation most of the time. When his Dharma brother Ānanda once asked why he did not openly display his wisdom and abilities, Vājraputra replied that Dharma must be taught at the right time—spoken too early or in the wrong way, even truth can cause harm. Instead, he believed that embodying the peace, joy, and compassion born of meditation was itself the most convincing teaching.
In Buddhist art, Vājraputra is often portrayed as a plump, joyful elder, smiling or laughing as he plays with a lion cub at his feet, sometimes holding a pearl or a whisk. The once-fierce lion becomes gentle through his kindness, just as Vājraputra himself was transformed by the Dharma.
As the Laughing Lion Arhat, he symbolizes that true strength lies not in domination, but in compassion and joy—a gentle power capable of taming even the wildest hearts and bringing peace to the world.
Gobaka / Heart-Rrevealing Arhat
Gobaka (also known as Svaka; Chinese: 戌博迦; Pinyin: Xūbójiā) is one of the revered Buddhist Arhats and is known as the Open-Heart or Heart-Revealing Arhat (開心／露心羅漢). His story is a powerful expression of sincerity, renunciation, and the purity of an awakened mind.
Gobaka was originally a crown prince of a small kingdom in Central India. Though destined to rule, he felt no attachment to power, wealth, or command. His true aspiration was to renounce worldly life and follow the Buddha in search of enlightenment. Yet he was also mindful of his responsibility to the kingdom, especially because his younger brother was ambitious and desired the throne.
When Gobaka learned that his brother was secretly preparing an armed rebellion to seize power, he summoned him and explained that he had no wish to rule and was ready to give up the throne. His only wish, he said, was to realize his Buddha-nature. But his brother could not believe this. To him, it was unimaginable that anyone would willingly abandon a crown. He suspected that Gobaka was lying in order to eliminate him later and secure the throne.
In response, Gobaka did something extraordinary. He opened his robe, revealing his bare chest, and in the center appeared the image of a Buddha. This vision represented the Buddha-nature in his heart—the only thing he truly cherished. Seeing this undeniable sign of purity and sincerity, his brother’s doubts were dispelled.
Because of this act, Gobaka became known as the Heart-Revealing (Open-Heart) Arhat. In Buddhist art, he is often depicted as a broadly smiling elder, his robe open to reveal his chest, symbolizing a mind completely free from deceit, ambition, or concealment.
The Open-Heart Arhat represents integrity, transparency, and inner awakening—a state in which one’s heart is no different from the Buddha’s. Through honesty and spiritual purity, Gobaka was able to resolve conflict without violence, showing that true power lies not in ruling others, but in realizing one’s own enlightened nature.
Panthaka / Stretched-Arm Arhat
Panthaka (Chinese: 半託迦; Pinyin: Bàntuōjiā) is one of the revered Buddhist Arhats and is known as the Raised-Hand (or Stretched-Arm) Arhat (探手羅漢). His life and practice symbolize how meditative power, wisdom, and compassion can be gathered inwardly and then released outward to benefit all beings.
According to legend, Panthaka was originally the prince of a small Indian kingdom called Kinota. He and his younger brother were born beside a road while their mother was traveling, so they were called “Big Born-Beside-the-Road” and “Little Born-Beside-the-Road.” Both grew into tall, strong men, but Panthaka, the elder, possessed extraordinary intelligence and spiritual gifts from a young age. His arms grew unusually long and eventually gained the supernatural ability to extend as far as he wished. He was also said to have powers such as passing through walls, manifesting fire and water, changing his size, and even becoming invisible.
Although Panthaka far surpassed his brother in abilities, he treated Cūḍapanthaka with deep kindness and respect. Together they cared devotedly for their widowed mother. After her death, both brothers renounced the world and became monks. Panthaka kept his name, while his younger brother became known as Cūḍapanthaka, later revered as the Gatekeeper Arhat for his diligent service guarding monastery gates.
As a monk, Panthaka was known for meditating in the half-lotus posture. When he emerged from deep meditation, he would raise both arms high into the air and release a long, powerful breath. This exhalation was said to transform into the sound of the Heart Sutra being chanted in Sanskrit, purifying the surrounding world and benefiting both visible and invisible beings. Because of this distinctive practice, he became known as the Raised-Hand Arhat.
In Buddhist art, Panthaka is often depicted seated on a rock, calm and composed, with both arms stretched upward, symbolizing the release of spiritual energy gathered through meditation. His posture expresses the flow of wisdom from inner stillness into compassionate action.
As the Raised-Hand Arhat, Panthaka represents the practitioner who accumulates deep meditative power and then offers it freely to the world. Every breath, every movement becomes an act of Dharma, nourishing all beings and harmonizing the entire realm of existence.
Rāhula / Contemplating Arhat
Rāhula (Chinese: 羅睺羅; Pinyin: Luóhóuluó) is one of the revered Buddhist Arhats and is known as the Contemplating Arhat (沈思羅漢). His name, meaning “obstacle,” has deep symbolic roots in Indian culture and in the story of the Buddha himself.
In ancient Indian mythology, Rāhula was also the name of an asura, a powerful being whose severed head became a dark celestial body believed to cause eclipses by obscuring the sun and the moon. For this reason, the name Rāhula came to signify that which blocks light, clarity, and awakening.
This symbolic meaning appears again in the life of Prince Siddhārtha, the future Buddha. Before leaving his palace in search of enlightenment, Siddhārtha fathered a son. When news of the birth reached him while he was struggling in meditation against inner doubts and attachments, he named the child Rāhula, “Obstacle,” reflecting the final tie that bound him to worldly life.
When Rāhula reached the age of fifteen, he followed in his father’s footsteps and renounced the world to become a monk. He became the first novice (śrāmaṇera) in the Buddhist monastic community. Though young, he was renowned for his carefulness and discipline, earning the title “Foremost in Discreet Practice.” He explored various paths of cultivation but eventually realized the depth and boundlessness of the Buddhadharma, committing himself wholeheartedly to the Buddha’s way of life.
Through diligent training and profound contemplation, Rāhula attained extraordinary wisdom and spiritual powers, including telepathy. His constant self-reflection and subtle mindfulness became the hallmark of his practice, leading him to arhatship.
In Buddhist art, Rāhula is typically depicted as a youthful monk in deep thought, often with one hand supporting his cheek, eyes lowered, brows gently furrowed—absorbed in contemplation of the Dharma.
As the Contemplating Arhat, Rāhula symbolizes rigorous self-discipline, mastery of the mind, and the transformation of obstacles into wisdom. His life teaches that through careful reflection and sincere practice, even the deepest hindrances can become gateways to enlightenment.
Nāgasena / Ear-Cleaning Arhat
Nāgasena (Chinese: 那伽犀那; Pinyin: Nàjiāxīnà) is one of the most famous Buddhist Arhats and philosophers, revered as the Ear-Cleaning Arhat (挖耳羅漢). He represents the purification of the senses and the use of wisdom to cut through confusion and illusion.
Nāgasena lived in the 2nd century BCE and was a distinguished monk of the Sarvāstivāda school. Born into a Brahmin family, he later renounced worldly life and entered the Buddhist Order, studying under the master Rohana. He became renowned for his deep insight and exceptional ability in philosophical debate.
His fame rests largely on his dialogues with the Indo-Greek ruler King Menander (Milinda), who ruled over northern India. These conversations, recorded in the Milindapañha (The Questions of King Milinda), form one of the earliest and most important encounters between Greek and Buddhist philosophy. In these exchanges, Nāgasena skillfully explained profound Buddhist teachings—such as non-self, dependent origination, and rebirth—using clear logic and vivid metaphors. His reasoning was so persuasive that King Milinda is said to have embraced Buddhism. The Milindapañha remains one of the most influential philosophical texts in Buddhist history. A related work, the Monk Nāgasena Sutra, was later translated into Chinese during the Eastern Qin dynasty (317–420 CE).
In Buddhist art, Nāgasena is almost always depicted holding a small ear-pick, gently cleaning his ear. This is not merely a physical act but a powerful spiritual symbol. He was especially associated with the doctrine of purifying the six senses, and ear-cleaning represents the purification of the ear faculty, freeing the mind from attachment to sounds, opinions, praise, and blame. In Mahāyāna terms, it reflects the practice of “turning the hearing inward to listen to one’s own true nature,” as taught in the Avalokiteśvara tradition.
Nāgasena is often shown seated sideways, calm and focused, delicately holding the ear-rake in a refined gesture. As the Ear-Cleaning Arhat, he symbolizes clearing away sensory pollution, quieting the mind, and awakening true insight, reminding practitioners that wisdom arises when the noise of the world is silenced and one listens deeply within.
Angida / Calico Bag Arhat
Angida (also known as Aṅgaja; Chinese: 因揭陀; Pinyin: Yīnjiētuó) is one of the most beloved Buddhist Arhats and is known as the Calico Bag Arhat (布袋羅漢). His story blends Indian Buddhist legend with the later Chinese image of the Budai Monk, making him a symbol of boundless compassion, joy, and generosity.
According to legend, Angida was originally an Indian snake catcher. Unlike ordinary snake handlers who killed or exploited snakes, his purpose was to protect both people and animals. He would capture snakes to prevent them from biting passers-by, gently remove their venomous fangs, and then release them safely into the mountains. Through this extraordinary kindness and respect for life, Angida accumulated great merit and eventually attained enlightenment.
To carry the snakes, Angida used a cloth bag, which later became his defining attribute. Over time, this bag came to symbolize much more than a container for animals—it represented his willingness to take in the afflictions, fears, and sufferings of the world, transforming them through compassion and wisdom. For this reason, he became known as the Calico Bag Arhat.
Buddhist tradition holds that Angida later appeared in China during the Five Dynasties period (907–960 CE), especially in Fenghua, Zhejiang Province, where he lived as a wandering mendicant monk. He was seen again in 917 CE, preaching beside a rock near Yuelin Temple. In China, he became famous as the Budai Monk—the “Cloth Bag Monk”—a laughing, carefree holy man associated with happiness, abundance, and good fortune. Over time, this image merged with that of Maitreya, the future Buddha, making him one of the most popular figures in East Asian Buddhism.
In art, Angida is typically depicted with a large belly and a broad, joyful smile, carrying his bag over one shoulder. His relaxed and open demeanor reflects a heart spacious enough to hold all things without attachment.
As the Calico Bag Arhat, Angida symbolizes forgiveness, contentment, and universal compassion—the ability to embrace the burdens of the world, let go of grasping, and transform suffering into joy and enlightenment.
Ajita / Long Eyebrow Arhat
Ajita (also known as Asita; Chinese: 阿氏多; Pinyin: Āshìduō) is one of the revered Buddhist Arhats and is known as the Long-Eyebrow Arhat (長眉羅漢). His name in Sanskrit conveys the meaning of rightness, balance, and spiritual perfection, reflecting both his inner cultivation and his outward appearance.
Ajita was said to be born with two extraordinarily long, white eyebrows, a rare and auspicious sign. According to legend, this was not accidental. In a previous life, he had been a bhikṣu who practiced diligently for many years but was unable to attain enlightenment before old age. By the time he died, his eyebrows had grown long and white from a lifetime of effort. Because his vow to awaken was not yet fulfilled, he was reborn as a human being so that he could continue his spiritual cultivation. The long eyebrows he carried into his new life symbolized this unbroken continuity of practice across lifetimes.
After Ajita’s birth, his father was told that Śākyamuni Buddha himself possessed long eyebrows, and that this child bore the marks of one destined for great spiritual attainment. Seeing this as a sign, Ajita was sent to a monastery to become a monk. Through years of disciplined practice, meditation, and study, he eventually fulfilled his long-held vow and attained enlightenment.
In Chinese tradition, Ajita is often portrayed as a kind and benevolent elder, with his long eyebrows flowing past his ears, a symbol of long life, vast wisdom, and accumulated merit. His gentle presence reflects both spiritual maturity and compassionate care for all beings.
As the Long-Eyebrow Arhat, Ajita represents the fruit of unceasing effort over countless lifetimes. He embodies the idea that sincere practice, even if not completed in one life, will inevitably ripen into wisdom and liberation, guiding others toward peace and lasting happiness.
Cūḍapanthaka / Gatekeeper Arhat
Cūḍapanthaka (Chinese: 注茶半托迦; Pinyin: Zhùchábàntuōjiā) is one of the revered Buddhist Arhats and is known as the Door-Watching (or Gatekeeper) Arhat. He was the younger twin brother of Panthaka, the Raised-Hand Arhat, yet their abilities and paths were strikingly different.
Compared to his brilliant and supernaturally gifted elder brother, Cūḍapanthaka was considered dull and slow to learn. He struggled with memory and understanding, and for a long time seemed incapable of mastering even basic teachings. Yet he possessed something even more powerful than sharp intellect: unyielding perseverance. Through sincere effort and single-minded devotion, he practiced tirelessly, reciting a simple Buddhist verse again and again until its meaning penetrated his heart.
Through this unwavering concentration, Cūḍapanthaka eventually broke through his limitations and attained arhatship. As his insight matured, he also developed supernatural abilities, including shape-shifting and the power of flight, demonstrating that even those who begin with humble faculties can achieve extraordinary realization.
Because of his steady and reliable character, Cūḍapanthaka was often entrusted with guarding the gates of monasteries, using his staff to ward off evil spirits and those who might disturb the harmony of the sangha. For this reason, he became known as the Door-Watching Arhat.
In Buddhist art, he is usually depicted as a strong and dignified elder, standing firmly with a staff in hand, embodying vigilance and protection.
As the Gatekeeper Arhat, Cūḍapanthaka symbolizes the truth that awakening does not depend on brilliance but on persistence, focus, and faith. He also represents the sacred duty of protecting the Dharma and maintaining a pure space in which others can practice and awaken.
Nandimitra / Dragon-Taming Arhat
Nandimitra (also known as Gopaka; Chinese: 難提密多; Pinyin: Nántímìduō) is one of the great Buddhist Arhats and is honored as the Dragon-Taming Arhat (降龍羅漢). He embodies the fearless power of wisdom and compassion that subdues even the most destructive forces.
According to legend, in ancient India a fierce dragon king brought devastating floods and seized sacred Buddhist scriptures, hiding them in his Dragon Palace beneath the waters. Nandimitra, endowed with immense spiritual power, confronted the dragon. Rather than merely defeating it, he subdued and converted the dragon through the Dharma, retrieving the scriptures and restoring peace to the land. Through this act, he made a great contribution to the preservation of the Buddha’s teachings and earned the title Dragon-Taming Arhat.
Although Nandimitra possessed extraordinary abilities, he once found that even after hundreds of years of practice, he had not yet attained final realization. Seeking guidance, he turned to Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva, who revealed that subtle worldly attachments still lingered in his heart. To dissolve these, Nandimitra chose to descend into the human world and dedicate himself to helping sentient beings. By practicing selfless compassion and guiding others toward liberation, he gradually let go of all attachment and finally attained enlightenment.
In Chinese tradition, Nandimitra is also revered as the compiler of the Record of the Abiding of the Dharma, a text describing the mission of the Sixteen Arhats to remain in the world and protect the Buddha’s teachings after his passing.
In Buddhist art, Nandimitra is usually depicted as a fierce and resolute elder, often with a subdued dragon at his side, symbolizing the taming of violent forces—both external disasters and the inner dragons of greed, hatred, and ignorance.
As the Dragon-Taming Arhat, Nandimitra represents the supreme power of the Dharma to overcome even the most fearsome obstacles, reminding practitioners that through wisdom, courage, and compassion, all destructive forces can be transformed into paths of awakening.
Vanavāsi / Banana Leaf Arhat
Vanavāsi (also known as Vanavāsin; Chinese: 伐那婆斯; Pinyin: Fánàpósī) is one of the revered Buddhist Arhats and is honored as the Banana Leaf Arhat (芭蕉羅漢). His life and practice reveal how profound truth can be realized through simple observation of nature.
According to legend, Vanavāsi was born during a heavy rain, with raindrops striking the broad banana leaves in a garden, producing a clear, gentle, and rhythmic sound. From this auspicious moment came his name. From an early age, he possessed a quiet and contemplative temperament, preferring solitude and simplicity to worldly noise.
He chose to live and meditate in banana groves, where the natural environment became his teacher. By observing the banana plant, he gained deep insight: although the banana trunk appears solid, it is actually formed of many layered sheaths and is hollow inside. This became a powerful metaphor for the nature of all conditioned things—seemingly substantial, yet empty and without a permanent self. Through this contemplation, Vanavāsi realized the fundamental Buddhist truth expressed in the Diamond Sutra:
“All conditioned phenomena are like dreams, illusions, bubbles, and shadows.”
In Buddhist art, Vanavāsi is typically portrayed sitting quietly beneath a banana tree or in a mountain cave, his expression calm and focused, as if listening to the rain on the leaves while simultaneously attending to the deeper sound of inner awakening.
As the Banana Leaf Arhat, Vanavāsi symbolizes the ability to perceive ultimate truth in ordinary things and to maintain inner tranquility and detachment amid the shifting, noisy world. His image reminds practitioners that enlightenment does not lie far away—it can be found in mindful attention to even the simplest aspects of nature.
Maitreya / Tiger-Subduing Arhat
Maitreya (sometimes identified in tradition with Piṇḍola) is revered as the Tiger-Subduing Arhat (伏虎羅漢), a powerful symbol of compassion overcoming violence.
According to legend, a fierce tiger once lived in the mountains where the Arhat practiced. Driven by hunger, the tiger attacked travelers and villagers, spreading fear throughout the region. Rather than trying to kill or drive it away, the Arhat was moved by deep compassion. Each day, he shared his own simple food with the starving animal. Gradually, the tiger’s aggression faded. Nourished not only by food but also by the Arhat’s calm and loving presence, it became gentle and no longer harmed anyone. In time, the tiger remained peacefully at his side, listening as the Arhat taught the Dharma.
In Buddhist art, the Tiger-Subduing Arhat is usually depicted as a kind-faced elder with a tame tiger resting beside him, expressing both fearlessness and boundless benevolence. The once-ferocious beast, now calm and obedient, represents destructive instincts transformed by wisdom and compassion.
The Tiger-Subduing Arhat teaches that true power does not come from force, but from gentle virtue and unconditional compassion. Even the wildest and most violent tendencies—whether in animals or in the human heart—can be pacified when met with understanding, patience, and loving-kindness.
