The rakan, the greatest disciples of Buddha 阿羅漢

Rakan in Japanese Zen Buddhism

The rakan, the enlightened disciples of Buddha, have been the subject of very popular devotion since the time of Edo. They occupy such a special place in Japanese Zen Buddhism that they have become traditional figures of Japanese art.

Rakan under the red maple leaves

Rakan under the red maple leaves

Raymond Ling

Rakan from Otagi Nenbutsu temple in Arashiyama

Rakan from Otagi Nenbutsu temple in Arashiyama

Raymond Ling

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