The Buddha of Wealth; the Laughing, Fat & Happy Buddha
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The lovable fat, happy, laughing Buddha represents the ideals of good
health, wealth, happiness, prosperity and longevity. He is known as
Budai (Chinese) and Hotai (Japanese). He is lovingly referred to as the
Happy Buddha, Laughing Buddha or the Buddha of Wealth. The Laughing Buddha
is based on an historical figure of an obese Zen monk who wandered China
during the Laing Dynasty. He was known for carrying a sack of candy,
which he gave to children on the street. People believed that he was an
incarnation of the Maitreya Buddha.
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Laughing, Fat & Happy Buddhas of Wealth
statues
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In sculpture the Laughing Buddha is depicted with a large, exposed
belly carrying a hemp sack which is believed to be filled with gold,
health and happiness. Wealth is not seen by Buddhists as being only
material but spiritual wealth as well. Both his belly and the large sack
convey this concept of abundance.
The laughing Buddha of Wealth is always depicted in a relaxing
posture, exuding happiness to all who are near Him. His smile and jovial
nature is infectious, reminding you that there is more to life than just
worldly possessions. His large Belly is always bursting out of his
robes. Sometimes he wears red colored robes that represents good fortune
and blessings.
He usually carries a gold ingot (sycee) or a small hemp sack in his
hand.
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He sits or stands upon a hemp sack of wealth under him. Around his
neck, he wears auspicious mala beads as well as a large, round medallion
that bring blessings to the surrounding. He sometimes holds a stick
known as a wish stick which he uses to grant people boons. Many people
believe that rubbing his belly will grant anyone their wish. |
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He is often seen surrounded by children or carrying one or many of
them.
Children naturally flock to him, not just because he gives them candy
but because his joyous nature is so childlike that they see him as an
equal.
Some people believe a statue of the laughing Buddha is good to have
around newborns as well as those wanting to have children.
Click here to view all our
Laughing, Fat & Happy Buddhas of Wealth
statues
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