The Buddhist elders Kanakavatsa,Vajriputra, Kanakabharadvaja, and Bhadra

During the life of the historical Buddha, his elder disciples, called “foe destroyers” or arhats in Tibetan tradition, were able to achieve enlightenment (nirvana) through his teachings. The only difference between the Buddha and his arhats is that the Buddha discovers the teachings, whereas the disciples practice and realize them.

As with the other paintings in this series, arhats may superficially look similar to one another, but key details differentiate each one visually and functionally. For example, Kanakavatsa at the upper left displays a strand of meditation beads (mala), symbolizing superb memory and control over the mind. At the upper right, Vajriputra carries a fly whisk, symbolizing liberation from distraction. At the bottom left of the painting, Kanakabharadvaja sits on an intricate, Chinese-style throne; his hands are in the gesture of meditation. The arhat whose hairline is receding is named Bhadra; he faces full forward, right hand in the teaching gesture.