Facts about Laughing Buddha You Might Not Know

All of us must have seen or received a Laughing Buddha from our friends or relatives. Most of us have it in our house. But, have you ever wondered why it is called Laughing Buddha or what does the token signify? All through the world, be it India, China where it is called Pu-Tai or Japan where it is called Hotei, we have seen it. He is always seen laughing or smiling, and it is supposed to be based on the Chinese monk who used to wander and lived during 907-923 AD when the Liang Dynasty reigned, which is almost 1000 years before. He is also referred to as the 'Happy Man' because he is always laughing. His stomach is always protruded outside, and there is a jolly smile on his face. You can find them in some temples, restaurants, amulets, hospitals, shops, and everywhere. It is considered as a lucky charm and is believed to bring good fortune, wealth and satisfaction to your family. Let us look at some of the features of the Laughing Buddha.

The Fortune Factor

The History

Well, many of us feel that Laughing Buddha and Siddhart Gautama are the very same people, but they are not. The Laughing Buddha is not Siddhart Gautama, who is the founder of Buddhism and the Indian prince in the 520 B.C.E. The Laughing Buddha is the celestial Buddha who was an eccentric Ch'an (Zen) monk in China and was named as Pu-Tai. He lived almost 1000 years ago and was a very significant part of the Shinto and Buddhist culture. He had a very benevolent nature and was also regarded as the Maitreya or the Future Buddha. He was considered as an incarnation of the bodhisattva.

Patron of the poor, weak and children

It is believed that the rubbing the belly of the Buddha brings good luck, wealth and prosperity. The smiling, bald and stout man with the protruded belly has wealth, good luck and happiness in it. The momentum is found in many restaurants, temples as it symbolizes the abundance and contentment. The image carries a linen sack or cloth along with it which is filled with precious gems and items, candy for the children, rice plants and food for the poor and weak.

The significance of the bowl and fan of the laughing Buddha

Along with the Laughing Buddha, you might find the begging bowl at times. The begging bowl usually signifies the nature of Buddhist people. There are also some showpieces where the Laughing Buddha is carried on a cart which is pulled by boys. In some images, you can find it with a wielding fan which is known as 'Oogi' which is considered as a wish giving a fan. These types of fans were carried by the aristocracy to show to other people that the desires they have made will be granted. All of these ultimately signify that Hotei was a monk who wandered around and took away the sadness of the people and awarded them with happiness and prosperity.

Symbol of joy and wealth

Do you know the birthday of Laughing Buddha? 8th May. Don't forget to light a candle on that day and you can ask him to grant your wishes on that day. It spreads joy, peace, and contentment to your family. It reminds to work hard but at the same time not to become too greedy to accomplish the goals. The serene atmosphere that it creates is going to bring you success.

The significance of direction in Feng Shui

The actual position of Laughing Buddha takes care of the course in which Fat Buddha is facing. If there is a specific imbalance in your life, you need to purchase the Laughing Buddha and place it correctly. If you put it in some sacred part of the house or some particular direction, it is believed to bring order and harmony within the family and in your life. You will experience a pleasant and prosperous life.

• For resolving any tension in the family - Place the statue in the East Sector which is dedicated to the family luck.
• For wealth - You need to place it in the personal Sheng Chi direction according to the Feng Shui Kua Formula.
• For luck - You got to place it in the Southeast Sector.

We have discussed the significance of the Laughing Buddha, and you need to purchase one to bring luck and happiness to your family. It is going to boost your confidence and make you smile whenever you look at the joyous structure.