An artwork on Galleree from Minneapolis Institute of Art.
About the artwork
Binzuru (Piṇḍola Bhāradvāja), the First of the Sixteen Arhats13th - early 14th century
Artist: Japan
man seated with crossed knee, hands on knee, looking at waterfall on R; wearing green kimono with blue and white accents; halo around his head; deer in foreground looking up at man
37 3/4 × 15 3/4 in. (95.89 × 40.01 cm) (image)
68 × 22 1/2 in. (172.72 × 57.15 cm) (mount)
Hanging scroll; ink, color, and gold leaf on silk
hanging scroll
Japan
13th-14th century
Gift of the Clark Center for Japanese Art & Culture
In a serene corner of the world, where whispers of ancient wisdom blend seamlessly with the rustle of leaves, the journey of enlightenment unfolds through the stories of remarkable figures. Among these, the Buddhist "achievers," known as rakan in Japanese and arhat in Sanskrit, stand as embodiments of spiritual aspiration. They devote their lives to the pursuit of “awakening,” a quest for nirvana—a place of salvation far removed from the trials of earthly existence.
In the tranquil embrace of Hinayana Buddhism, these rakan were celebrated as the “perfected ones.” They had triumphed over the relentless cycle of birth and rebirth, harnessing their own will to achieve salvation. Yet, their journey was bittersweet; they had not reached the full enlightenment that a bodhisattva experiences, a state reserved for those who strive not only for themselves but for the liberation of all beings.
Take Kiba, for instance. In a scroll to the right, he stands poised with grace, a gentle figure who holds a fly whisk in his hand. Its delicate design serves a dual purpose—chasing away pesky insects without inflicting harm, embodying the profound Buddhist tenet against taking life. In this simple act, Kiba becomes a symbol of compassion, reminding us of the interconnectedness of all living things.
Across from him, we find Binzuru, another rakan, captured in a moment of quiet reflection. To his side sits a deer, their gazes fixed upon a cascading waterfall that glimmers under dappled sunlight. This serene tableau speaks to the harmony found in nature, a reminder that the path to enlightenment is not a solitary venture but a shared experience with all creatures.
Together, these figures invite us to ponder our own journeys. The beauty of their stories lies not only in their achievements but in the ways they inspire compassion, mindfulness, and a deep connection to the world around us. In their presence, we are beckoned to awaken to our own potential for peace, both within ourselves and in the lives we touch.
About the artist
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