[Origami Eighteen Arhats] Xiaoyuns Journey to the West Series Paper Art

Teacher Xiaoyun’s Journey to the West origami series from the 1980s

Teacher Xiaoyun authorizes Paper Art Network to exclusively publish his Journey to the West series of origami appreciation. If you want to reprint, please contact Teacher Xiaoyun!

The Eighteen Arhats refer to the eighteen Arhats in Buddhist legend who live forever in the world and protect the righteous Dharma. They are derived from the sixteen Arhats plus two venerables. They are all historical figures and disciples of Sakyamuni. The Sixteen Arhats were mainly popular in the Tang Dynasty. By the end of the Tang Dynasty, the Eighteen Arhats began to appear. By the Song Dynasty, the Eighteen Arhats became popular. The emergence of the Eighteen Arhats may be related to the traditional preference for the Eighteen Arhats in Chinese culture.

Arhat, short for Arhat, Sanskrit name (Arhat). It was first introduced to China from India. There are three levels of explanations in the free translation: one is that it can help people get rid of all the troubles in life; the other is that it can accept offerings from heaven and earth, humans and heaven; the third one is that it can help people no longer suffer the suffering of reincarnation. That is to say, killing thieves, making offerings, and being without rebirth are the highest attainments achieved by the Buddhas enlightened disciples. Arhats all have pure six senses of body and mind, and their ignorance and worries have been eliminated (killing thieves). Having escaped birth and death, he has attained nirvana (no birth). It is worthy of the respect and support of all humans and gods. Before the end of his lifespan, he will still live in the world and live a holy life with few desires, pure moral character, and teach and save people according to circumstances.

According to legend, Arhats were originally the ultimate goal pursued by Hinayana Buddhism. However, under the persuasion and encouragement of the Buddha Sakyamuni, all Arhats returned to the small to the great, "nirvana in the past life", and helped maintain Mahayana Buddhism. So in In Mahayana Buddhism, Arhats also have their new status and actions. Arhat, also known as Arhat, refers to a saint who can cut off all worries, reach the state of Nirvana, no longer suffer from the cycle of life and death, has perfect practice and has the virtue to guide all living beings to do good, and is worthy of being supported by humans and heaven.