| The Buddha most often referred to as "happy | | | | "sleeping Buddha position," which depicted the Buddha's |
| Buddha" or "laughing Buddha" is really a Chinese Zen | | | | last moments on earth before he ascended to Nirvana. |
| monk who lived approximately 1000 years ago who | | | | Most often the laughing Buddha statue is displayed in |
| has become a significant part of Buddhist lore. This | | | | the home as a symbol and talisman of good fortune |
| celestial Buddha's name was actually Hotei or Ho Tai. | | | | and prosperity. Many happy Buddha statues show the |
| He was known for his generosity and came to be | | | | jolly patron holding gold ingots in his hands were sitting |
| seen as an incarnation of the bodhisattva, an | | | | atop a mountain of gold coins. It's also not unusual to |
| enlightened being who has achieved Buddhahood. It's | | | | see the Buddha sitting atop a Dragon throne. The |
| believed he is a Maitreya or future Buddha who will | | | | Dragon is a symbol of security and power in Asian |
| someday return to Earth. His ample midsection and | | | | cultures. |
| pleasant smile have given him the common name | | | | Other accoutrements often seen in sculptures and |
| "laughing Buddha." | | | | statues of the happy Buddha include a rosary |
| Laughing Buddha statues are often seen in restaurants | | | | necklace symbolic of prayer, a begging bowl |
| temples and businesses because he is the deity of | | | | associated with the laughing Buddha's lack of worldly |
| contentment and prosperity. You almost always see | | | | possessions or an oogi. The oogi is a Chinese "wish |
| Ho Tai carrying a linen sack, always full with candy for | | | | giving" fan used in the past by Chinese aristocracy has |
| children rice plants which symbolize wealth food or the | | | | an affectation to demonstrate that their wishes would |
| suffering of the world. Much like Catholicism's St. | | | | be granted. |
| Nicholas, Ho Tai is the patron saint of children and the | | | | In western culture, the laughing Buddha is often |
| weak and the downtrodden. | | | | referred to as the "fat Buddha." As a jolly fat man |
| A laughing Buddha statue portrays a stout, chubby | | | | who frequently distributes candies and presents to |
| bald man whose generous potbelly stomach can be | | | | children, Ho Tai most closely resembles what |
| seen through his loose robes. While Ho Tai could | | | | Westerners think of as Santa Claus. However, his |
| definitely benefit from a few stomach crunches, his | | | | tidings of good fortune can be enjoyed year round. |
| ample belly is symbolic of good fortune and plenitude. | | | | It's believed that if you rub the belly of a laughing |
| Along with his chubby belly and happy grin the laughing | | | | Buddha you are sure to enjoy good luck, prosperity |
| Buddha nearly always carries a gnarled walking stick in | | | | and wealth. Ho Tai is also considered the patron of |
| one hand and his ever present sack in the other. | | | | bartenders and restaurant owners and is frequently |
| The laughing Buddha is most often depicted in statuary | | | | seen displayed prominently in Asian restaurants. |
| in either a sitting, standing or in a reclining position. The | | | | Overindulgence in food and drink are often credited to |
| reclining position most likely was born from the | | | | the influence of the laughing Buddha. |