lohan
n. countablen. a person in Buddhism who has reached a very high level of spiritual growth. They have finished their training and are free from the cycle of rebirth.
n. an individual who has achieved spiritual enlightenment and liberation from the cycle of rebirth. In Chinese Buddhism, the term refers specifically to the eighteen legendary followers of Gautama Buddha who protect the Buddhist law.
The temple features eighteen statues of a lohan.
During the tour of the ancient monastery, the guide pointed out the intricate carvings representing each lohan and their unique powers.
The practitioner aspired to the state of a lohan, seeking to extinguish all worldly desires and attain a permanent release from the suffering inherent in existence.
Often used in the context of Chinese Buddhist art and hagiography; sometimes spelled 'luohan'.