On the left of Shakyamuni Buddha is Maha Kashyapa, an Elder Arahant. He was the most well known disciple of Buddha in diligent practice, and was entrusted by Buddha the great responsibility of preserving and spreading the Dharma. After the Buddha entered Final Nirvana, Maha Kashyapa gathered 500 Arahants to form the First Council to compile and to continue the teachings of the Buddha.

The Buddha passes the Ch'an (Zen) teachings to Maha Kashypa, who became the First Zen Patriarch in India. He later handed the Ch'an teachings to Ananda, who became the Second Patriarch. As this temple is in the Ch'an lineage, therefore, these two Patriarchs are placed on both sides of the Buddha.