According to Theravada Buddhism, an arhat is someone who has attained nirvana and has obtained insight into the fundamental essence of life. However, in Mahayana Buddhism, an Arhat is someone who has made significant progress toward nirvana but has yet to achieve it. In Buddhism, there are a total of 16 legendary Arhats. Here we will discuss more of the 16 Arhats of Buddha, which will be beneficial to UPSC CSE Exam preparation.

16 Arhats of Buddha

• Buddha personally chose the Sixteen Arhats from among his disciples and asked them to stay in the world and defend the Dharma for as long as creatures are capable of benefiting from it.
• They promised to stay in the world and safeguard the Dharma until the time of the future Buddha Maitreya when Buddha attained parinirvana.
• Arhat under Theravada Buddhism is said to be the one who has gained insights into the true nature of existence and has achieved nirvana.
• However, under Mahayana Buddhism, Arhat is the person who is far advanced in the path of attaining nirvana but has not attained it.

Buddha and the Sixteen Arhats

The sixteen arhats are:

1. Pindolabharadvaja
2. Kanakavatsa
3. Kanakaparidhvaja
4. Subinda
5. Nakula
6. Bhadra
7. Kalika
8. Vajraputra
9. Svapaka
10. Panthaka
11. Rahula (Buddha’s son)
12. Nagasena
13. Iṇgada
14. Vanavasi
15. Ajita
16. Culapanthaka

Conclusion

Arhat, according to Mahayana, is someone who has found serenity for himself but is unwilling to give it up for the sake of others. While a Mahayana Boddhisattva is an enlightened person who has pledged to remain in Samsara forever for the sake of others, a Mahayana Boddhisattva is an awakened being who has sworn to remain in Samsara indefinitely for the sake of others. As a result, Mahayana Buddhists prioritize becoming a Bodhisattva over becoming an Arhat.

FAQs

MCQs

1. Who are the 16 Arhats in Buddhism?

A) Enlightened disciples of the Buddha
B) Gods in the Buddhist pantheon
C) The Bodhisattvas who delayed their Nirvana
D) The original disciples of the Buddha

2. In which form are the 16 Arhats typically depicted in Buddhist art?

A) As divine beings with multiple arms
B) As serene and meditative figures with distinct physical traits
C) As large statues of the Buddha
D) As abstract representations without specific form

3. What role do the 16 Arhats serve in Mahayana Buddhism?

A) As figures representing the highest level of wisdom and virtue
B) As protectors of the Buddha’s teachings
C) As Bodhisattvas striving for enlightenment for others
D) Both A and B

4. How do the 16 Arhats differ from Bodhisattvas in Buddhism?

A) Arhats achieve personal enlightenment, while Bodhisattvas delay their enlightenment to help others
B) Arhats are more compassionate than Bodhisattvas
C) Bodhisattvas attain Nirvana faster than Arhats
D) There is no difference between them

5. Who are considered the protectors of Buddhist teachings in Mahayana Buddhism?

A) The Buddha
B) The 16 Arhats
C) The Dharma
D) Bodhisattvas

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Discuss the significance of the 16 Arhats in the context of Mahayana Buddhism. How do they differ from Bodhisattvas?

Answer: The 16 Arhats are significant figures in Mahayana Buddhism, representing the highest levels of spiritual wisdom and attainment. They are revered as exemplars who have achieved personal enlightenment, demonstrating the path to Nirvana. In contrast, Bodhisattvas are beings who have attained enlightenment but choose to remain in the cycle of birth and rebirth to assist others in achieving liberation. Unlike the Bodhisattvas, who embody compassion and selflessness, the Arhats' role is more focused on individual spiritual achievement. The 16 Arhats also serve as protectors of the Dharma, preserving the teachings of the Buddha and offering a model for practitioners seeking to follow the Buddhist path.

Q2: How are the teachings of the 16 Arhats interpreted in Buddhist art and culture?

Answer: In Buddhist art, the 16 Arhats are depicted as serene, enlightened beings, often in postures of meditation or teaching. Each Arhat is shown with unique physical traits and symbols that highlight their individual spiritual achievements. The visual representations of the Arhats serve to inspire Buddhist practitioners by offering concrete images of the ideal spiritual state, one that is free from attachment, suffering, and ignorance. The 16 Arhats are celebrated in various Buddhist cultural festivals, where their virtues are honored, and their teachings are imparted to the community.

Q3: Analyze the influence of the Arhats on the development of Mahayana Buddhist art and philosophy.

Answer: The 16 Arhats had a profound influence on the development of Mahayana Buddhist art and philosophy. As embodiments of the ultimate goal of enlightenment, they served as key figures in the Buddhist tradition. The Arhats' depictions in art, with their individual characteristics and unique postures, emphasized the importance of wisdom, discipline, and meditation in the Buddhist path. Philosophically, their stories contributed to the development of the Mahayana notion of bodhisattvas and the ideal of compassion, as they exemplified how individual spiritual achievements can benefit the wider community by preserving the teachings of the Buddha.

Previous Year Questions on Buddhist Art and Philosophy

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2020:

Question: The 16 Arhats in Mahayana Buddhism are primarily associated with which of the following?

A) Protection of the Dharma
B) Compassion for all sentient beings
C) The direct teachings of the Buddha
D) Performing miracles for followers

Answer: (A)

Explanation: The 16 Arhats are considered protectors of the Dharma and exemplars of wisdom and virtue in Mahayana Buddhism.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2019 (GS Paper 1):

Question: Explain the role of the 16 Arhats in promoting the teachings of the Buddha in Mahayana Buddhism.

Answer: The 16 Arhats played an essential role in preserving and promoting the teachings of the Buddha. In Mahayana Buddhism, they serve as embodiments of the highest spiritual achievements and protectors of the Dharma. Their stories and depictions in art and culture inspire practitioners to follow the path of enlightenment. The Arhats not only exemplify the discipline and wisdom required to achieve Nirvana but also symbolize the path through which others can find liberation by following the Buddha’s teachings.