A FINE THANGKA OF THE ARHATS AJITA, AKLIKA AND VANAVASIN, Tibet, 18th ct., framed under glass. Arhat Ajita, shown at the top of the painting, came from Sravasti and is depicted here with the gesture of meditation as well as with his garment's ends covering his head. Arhat Kalika, depicted on the lower left, is holding his attribute, the single pair of earrings, in his hands. Those who touch these rings are said to receive the blessings of all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. Next to him on the right is Arhat Vanavasin, showing a mild threatening gesture and holding a fly whisk in his left hand. His worshippers are said to be able to receive aid through the cooling fanning of his whisk and be relieved from evil actions and the misbelief of an existance of a self detached from the permanence of material things. - Published: I. Lauf, Tibetica 24, Schoettle Ostasiatica, 18. Juli 1973: 8007 - Minor wear, partly stains