Item: Arhat/Sthavira (Buddhist Elder) - (multiple figures)

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

"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).

Pindola Bharadvaja, the Elder (Tibetan: ne ten, bha ra dva ja so nyom. Sanskrit: Sthavira Pindola Bharadvaja): the 12th arhat from the set of 16 great arhats.

"On the Eastern [continent] of Purva-Videha is the noble elder Pindola Bharadvaja, surrounded by 1,100 arhats; homage to the One holding a book and begging bowl." (Sakya liturgical text).

The Sixteen Great Arhats are generally painted as a set. The full group would include the buddha Shakyamuni along with the two principal disciples Maudgalyayana and Shariputra, the 16 arhats, attendant Dharmatala, patron Hvashang and the Four Guardians of the Directions - Vaishravana, Virupaksha, Dritarashtra and Virudhaka.

(Name inscription beneath each of the two central figures).

Jeff Watt 2-2004