Non-Buddhists tend to envision Buddha as an obese figure with a big belly and smiling face, as this statue is widely recognized in many countries and serves as a symbolic representation of happiness, wealth and good luck. If you rub its belly it’s said that doing so will bring good health and wellbeing for both parties involved.
Chan Butai from China
This is an unfortunate misunderstanding; in reality, the Buddha who is often depicted as fat is actually not Siddhartha Gautama but Chan Butai from China from the 10th century. Chan Butai was an eccentric fat Buddhist monk known for his cheerful spirit, big smile, and generosity when traveling around villages to distribute rice that he carried for children and poor people in need. People enjoyed laughing along with him as his laughter brought them joy – hence earning the nickname a laughing Buddha.
Either a Buddha or Bodhisattva
According to Buddhism, every individual possesses Buddha-nature; once they achieve enlightenment they may transform into either a Buddha or Bodhisattva. If someone becomes either, however, they must live an ethical lifestyle, making an elegant figure more suitable. A slim Buddha may therefore make the best candidate.
Siddhartha Gautamais the Skinny Buddha
Siddhartha Gautama, commonly portrayed as the skinny Buddha, lived during the sixth century BCE in Lumbini, Nepal. After finding a path to overcome life’s hardships such as pain, sorrow, suffering, loss, sickness, death and impermanence; Siddhartha Gautama became known as Buddha or “Enlightened One”. Siddhartha Gautama left home initially seeking spiritual truth but eventually abandoned asceticism to embrace hedonism as part of an approach toward attaining enlightenment; hence his slim figure.
No matter which of these is true, any happy Buddha brings joy and good luck into every life he touches – which explains why they remain such popular statues within Feng Shui.
A Laughing Buddha statue is a stunning piece of artwork that can help bring good luck and positivity into any home or office, so when you come across one, remember to greet it with a warm smile and rub his belly for good luck! Soon enough you may even notice how your life has improved; who knows maybe Happy Buddha can even take away some of your stress! Happy Buddha is here for good so share his story with all your friends and family or get him tattooed to show your devotion and affection!