Page 52 - The Buddhist Pantheon as Seen Through Postage Stamps

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Arahat

In Theravada Buddhism, arahant, literally a “worthy one,” has 罗 汉 ， 是 阿 罗 汉 的 简 称 ， 含 有 杀 贼 、

reached the highest of the four levels of awakening recognized ⽆ ⽣ 、 应 供 等 义 。 杀 贼 是 杀 尽 烦 恼 之

in early Buddhism and has thereby become totally free from 贼 ， ⽆ ⽣ 是 解 脱 ⽣ 死 不 受 后 有 ， 应 供

defilements and gone beyond rebirth in any form. The most 是 应 受 天 上 ⼈ 间 的 供 养 。 是 伟 ⼤ 的 佛

basic requirement for the gain of arahantship, however, is the 陀得法弟⼦修证最⾼的果位。

existence of a Buddha, since due to his teaching the path to all

of the stages of awakening is revealed to humanity. 释 迦 牟 尼 佛 为 使 佛 法 在 佛 灭 度 后 能 流

传 后 世 ， 使 众 ⽣ 有 听 闻 佛 法 的 机 缘 ，
Arahant, translated into Chinese as Lohan, is one who has 嘱 咐 ⼗ 六 罗 汉 永 住 世 间 ， 分 局 各 地 弘

followed the Eightfold Path and has achieved deliverance of 扬 佛 法 ， 利 益 众 ⽣ 。 佛 教 传 到 中 国

this earthly existence. Lohans are well-known for their great 后 ， ⼗ 六 罗 汉 成 为 艺 术 家 创 作 的 题

wisdom, courage and supernatural power. Due to their abilities 材 ， 后 来 演 变 成 为 ⼗ ⼋ 罗 汉 ， 乃 ⾄

to ward off the evil, Lohans have become guardian angels of 五百罗汉。

the Buddhist temple and there in the main hall standing guard

are the ever-present, indomitable-looking 18 Lohan figures,

sometimes accompanied by 500 or more lesser Lohans.