Item: Arhat/Sthavira (Buddhist Elder) - 16 Elders: Chudapantaka

Chudapantaka, the Elder (Tibetan: ne ten, lam tran ten. Sanskrit: Sthavira Cudapantaka): the 11th arhat from the set of 16 great arhats.

In a relaxed fashion gazing forward, with eyes half closed, he holds in the right hand a mala of beads for counting prayers. The left hand is placed loosely atop the right. Wearing rich brocade garments of red and green, long flowing and layered, he sits in a posture with the legs hanging forward in a western style above a rocky ledge. A dark green aureola surrounds the head. Standing at the left with the hands respectfully folded at the heart is a monk attendant wearing robes of blue and red. At the right, a wealthy personage finely attired with a crown, gold ornaments, a sword and silks of various colours, presents an offering of a long white elephant tusk. At the side stands a white snow lion with a green mane. Behind, at the right, is a bearded merchant wearing a white turban, gold earrings and a yellow garment. In the hands an ornately crafted vessel, long and narrow, is held. (The name of the arhat is written in fine gold lettering below the seat).

The background is filled with flowering trees, variously coloured clouds and glimpses of green mountains and dark blue skies. The foreground with occasional jutting rocks and springs of blue mountain water is open and green.

"On Vulture Peak Mountain is the noble elder Chudapantaka, surrounded by 1,600 arhats; homage to the One with the two hands placed in meditation." (Sakya liturgical text).

Chudapantaka is typically portrayed with the two hands placed in the mudra (gesture) of meditation along with a lion or tiger standing nearby. The Sixteen Great Arhats are generally painted as a set. The full group would include the buddha Shakyamuni, the 16 arhats, the attendant Dharmatala, the patron Hvashang and the Four Guardians of the Directions - Vaishravana, Virupaksha, Dritarashtra and Virudhaka.

Jeff Watt 5-99