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3. Kanaka Bharadvaja (or Kanaka the Bharadvaja), called
in Chinese Jubo Luohan, or "The Arhat with the Raised
Alms Bowl."
Note: Kanaka is his name; he is usually called "the Bharavadja " because of the other Kanaka, #2, called the Vatsa.
The monk's bowl--used both for begging and for eating--was one of the very few possessions allowed a monk in ancient times. In the earliest days of the sangha, there was no system of temples and donors, so the monk would take his bowl out and beg for food.
Kanaka Bharadvaja is known for raising the alms bowl used for receiving donations. Raising his eyes without shame and looking the giver in the eye runs contrary to proper mendicant etiquette!
He is often seen with one foot in the air, as though dancing with joy, representing one who can receive gifts graciously.
Today in China, the bowl is largely symbolic; even in the early days it could be a symbol, as the bowl which Bodhidharma washed at Guangxiao Temple in Guangzhou (said to be the same bowl the Buddha used) was later passed along to Huineng as a sign of his authority.
The monk's bowl--used both for begging and for eating--was one of the very few possessions allowed a monk in ancient times. In the earliest days of the sangha, there was no system of temples and donors, so the monk would take his bowl out and beg for food.
Kanaka Bharadvaja is known for raising the alms bowl used for receiving donations. Raising his eyes without shame and looking the giver in the eye runs contrary to proper mendicant etiquette!
He is often seen with one foot in the air, as though dancing with joy, representing one who can receive gifts graciously.
Today in China, the bowl is largely symbolic; even in the early days it could be a symbol, as the bowl which Bodhidharma washed at Guangxiao Temple in Guangzhou (said to be the same bowl the Buddha used) was later passed along to Huineng as a sign of his authority.