Toksong-in is commonly known as the Recluse. Toksong-in is not an historical person-age or a paradigm of isolation. He represents in the Mahayana tradition of Bud-dhism what the arhant represents in the Theravada. The arhant is a holy person, perfect being, a disciple of the Buddha Sakyamuni. Toksong-in is a timeless being, a reminder that one should not seek enlightenment outside of oneself, for, "alone and holy," he is enlightened within.

Mahayanists are wary of the illusion of the ego appropriating external self-definitions. Toksong-in urges us to seek the Buddha within, to realize that everything is inside of us and not external to us. Demonstrating Chinese iconographic and cultural influence, a young manservant is sometimes present holding tea, a platter of fruit, or a fan.