18 LOHANS  



EIGHTEEN ARHATS (Lo-Hans), not depicted in this il us-
tration but often appearing in other versions of the Chinese
Buddhist Pantheon, are usual y represented as possessing vari-
ous kinds of supernatural power, symbolised either by objects
held in their hands or by wild animals crouching submissively
beside them. ese are perfected beings who have listened and
practised the teachings of the Buddha. In Chinese Buddhism
there are a number of famous groups of Arhants of which this
group of eighteen is the most popular.
IN THE GREAT HALL THE EIGHTEEN LOHANS ARE FOUND NINE ON
EACH SIDE OF THE WALLS. THE ABOVE PICTURE ONLY SHOWS PART OF
THE NINE LOHANS ON ONE SIDE. INCENSE ARE OFTEN OFFERED TO
THEM AS A MARK OF RESPECT FOR THEIR SPIRITUAL ATTAINMENTS.

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