China: 'Luohan, after a set attributed to Guanxio'. Ink rubbing of the stele commissioned by the Qianlong emperor depicting the arhat Asita. The upper right shows the inscriptions of the eulogy given by Qianlong. Stele c. 1757, ink rubbing c. 18th-19th century. The Eighteen Arhats (Shiba Luohan) are individuals depicted in Mahayana Buddhism who have followed the Eightfold Path and attained the Four Stages of Enlightenment, and are also the original followers of the Buddha. They have reached the state of Nirvana and are free of worldly cravings. They are charged to protect the Buddhist faith.