What is a Lohan? There were (and are) many forms of Buddhism, including both religious Buddhism and philosophical Buddhism. Most of the best-known Buddhist sculptures were worshiped in religious rituals. In contemplative or esoteric Buddhism there is no worshiping of idols or scriptures. All that really matters is meditation. This form of Buddhism is thought to have been brought to China by Bodhidharma (Da Mo in Chinese) in the 5th century. It became known as Chan Buddhism in China and eventually Zen Buddhism in Japan.

The quality of steadfast resolution, for which Bodhidharma is famous, is often found in the best statues of highly evolved Buddhist masters who followed the teachings of Bodhidharma. In India such individuals are known as Arhats; in China, Lohans. They also can be called Bodhisattvas, who have attained a certain level of Enlightenment and could leave the karmic cycle of reincarnation, but are chosen to remain involved with humanity, incarnation after incarnation, to help everyone on the path towards liberation. (FLG)