Name: Vahia Ralliza H.

Dotarot
Class: Bukidnon Cultural Studies B46 – B406

CULTURAL SYMBOL: THE LAUGHING BUDDHA

The Laughing Buddha is cherished all over the world. He is

found in homes, restaurants, places of business and so on. The

Laughing Buddha is the Buddha of abundance and happiness. He is

also known as the “Buddha of Wealth”. It is believed he will bring

wealth and prosperity to a home or business. It is very easy to recognize

the Laughing Buddha. He is shown wearing a robe and prayer beads

often hang around his neck. He is bald and has a big fat tummy. He is

always happy; thereby the name the “Laughing Buddha”. Many claim

he makes problems disappear.

Keeping the Laughing Buddha in the home ensures a happy home. If you are considering

bringing the Laughing Buddha into your home or place of business it is important that the statue is not

very small. The Laughing Buddha wants his tummy rubbed. It is told that if you rub his stomach daily

he will see to it that your wishes are granted. It will be difficult to rub his tummy if he is very tiny.

When you do run his stomach you need to do so with a positive attitude. The gesture should be uplifting

to your spirits and make you feel happy.

The Laughing Buddha can be shown with different symbols. He often is shown with beads

hanging from his neck. These beads are often referred to as the “pearls of wisdom”. Many like to keep

the Laughing Buddha with the beads close by the place they normally meditate. Many statues show the

Laughing Buddha surrounded by children. The most common number of children is five. This

symbolizes the blessing in all areas of life and enhances positive energy in the home or work place. A

common attribute is the cloth bag. There are different opinions about what the bag he carries represent.

Some believe it symbolizes all the riches the believer will receive. Yet others believe the Laughing

Buddha takes your worries from you and stuffs them in the bag making sure you stay happy and

carefree.
Who was the Laughing Buddha?

The Laughing Buddha has become a common and popular name for Budai. Some people from

the West who are not familiar with Buddhism, may mistake the Laughing Buddha for Gautama

Siddhartha, the Buddha. Actually his name was Quieci. But everyone called him “Budai”. He was

supposedly a Buddhist Zen monk who lived in China over a thousand years ago. He was different from

all other monks. Quieci was a jolly fellow. He often laughed whole heartily and reminded everyone to

enjoy life and stay happy. He was very much loved. Budai always had a great big smile on his face. That

is why he best known by his nickname “Laughing Buddha”.

One legend tells a story illustrating the claim that Budai wanted people to stay positive and

joyful. When the beloved monk died many cried. A huge crowd gathered around to take a last farewell

with tears running down their checks. The fire was lit at the cremation ceremony. Then to the surprise of

most mourners present there was a huge blast of fireworks. Before he died Budai had secretly asked that

firecrackers were hidden under his robe. That did that trick. All who were present at the cremation found

themselves smiling. Even after his death he reminded all present to celebrate life. Just before he died it is

told he said, “Maitreya, the true Maitreya has billions of incarnations. Often he is shown to people at the

time; other times they do not recognize him.” These words are by some interrupted to make him an

incarnation of the Maitreya.The Maitreya is the future and last Buddha who will bring ultimate love and

enlightenment into the world.For the time being he resides in the Tusita heaven. In China many also call

him “The Loving One” or “The Friendly One”. In Japan the Laughing Buddha is associated with Hotei,

one of the Lucky Seven Gods.

Millions of people around the world have a Laughing Buddha displayed in their homes. You do

not have to be a Buddhist to have the statue in your home. The Laughing Buddha is not worshipped. He

is there only to help bring good energy, prosperity and luck into the home. The main intent of the

Laughing Buddha is that it is a constant reminder to smile, stay happy and enjoy your life. This positive

attitude will bring you even more blessing of prosperity.