THE ARHAT RAHULA AND PINDOLA BARADVAJA Tibet, Amdo, 19th ct. 50 x 36 cm R. The two thangkas originally came from a series depicting the 16 or 18 arhats in total. 1.) The Arhat Rahula, the tenth of the sixteen Sthaviras. The Arhat Rahula went to collect alms in the heaven of the thirty-three gods. Many children of these god beings escaped from the cycle of existence, samsara, through his teachings, and out of gratitude gave him the tiaras they were wearing on their heads. Through his magical power, Rahula transformed all of them into a tiara. Thus this crown became a blessing for the one who had it placed on his head or saw it, enabling him to overcome his inner obstacles and afflictions, to obtain the uninterrupted protection of guardian deities, and to receive all the blessings of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. The Arhat sits on a rocky plateau, in the middle of a rocky landscape, and holds in his hands the gift of the gods' children - the blessing-bringing diadem. Other devotees offer him an elephant's tooth and a little bird as a badge of honour. The peaceful mood of this saint's abode is emphasised by the undisturbed stay of the many birds in their nests, and at the water trough. 2.) Pindola Bharadvaja, the twelfth of the sixteen Sthaviras. The Arhat Pindola Bharadvaja, seated on a rock - symbol of duration and permanence - is depicted with books and an alms bowl. Seeing these books or even touching them is helpful against clinging to wrong views, conducive to understanding the meaning of their contents, and to make use of them. Viewers also gain wisdom that enables them to overcome fear of possible disapproval of their own conscience, and public criticism. Grateful disciples make rich offerings to the Arhat. A spring pours into a briskly flowing stream in which a water-powered prayer wheel turns. An Indian saint, recognisable by his waiting water container, performs religious acts, and next to him appears the Bodhisattva Padmapani. From an old European private collection, acquired prior to 2007 Framed under glass, minor wear and traces of age