This collection of images depicts the Sixteen Arhats, a work of art made by Sonam Sherpa at Nalanda Monastery. Lama Zopa Rinpoche requested to photograph them to make them available to others.

The Sixteen Arhats (Foe Destroyers) are also known as the Sixteen Sthaviras (Elders)— who have destroyed their inner enemy, the delusions, and attained liberation from cyclic existence—where selected by Buddha Shakyamuni to protect the Dharma. At the time of the parinirvana they vowed to remain in the world to preserve the Dharma until the time of the future Buddha Maitreya.

Benefits of making offerings and prayers to the Sixteen Arhats:

• All the victorious ones (buddhas) are pleased.
• Anyone who correctly practices it will have no obstacles.
• One will be able to abide in pure morality.
• It increases one's scriptural understanding and realization.
• One will have perfect inner and outer conditions to practice Dharma.
• One will not be overwhelmed by untimely death and will have a long life.
• The community of sangha will be increased.
• The study and practice of the Tripitaka (Three Baskets) will increase.