Pindola Bharadvaja
Enlightened monastic disciple of Lord Buddha / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Pindola Bharadvaja (Piṇḍola Bhāradvāja) is an Arhat in Buddhism.[1] According to the earliest Indian Buddhist sutras, Pindola Bharadvaja was one of four Arhats asked by the Buddha to remain in the world (Chinese: 住世) to propagate Buddhist law (Dharma).[1] Each of the four was associated with one of the four cardinal directions. Pindola is associated with West.[2]
Venerable Pindola | |
---|---|
Personal | |
Religion | Buddhism |
Nationality | Indian |
Other names | Pindola Bharadvaja |
Occupation | bhikkhu |
Senior posting | |
Teacher | Buddha |
Pindola is said to have excelled in the mastery of occult and psychic powers. He was once remonstrated by the Buddha for misusing his powers to impress simple, ignorant people.[3]
Along with Ananda, Pindola preached to the women of Udena's palace at Kosambi on two occasions.[4]
In later centuries, the number of Arhats increases from four to Sixteen Arhats, then later on to 18.[1] In Tibetan Thangka paintings depicting the 18 Arhats, Pindola Bharadvaja is usually depicted holding a book and begging bowl.