Happy Buddha

Country: China
Category: Culture 		By: yayasilver
Happy Buddha
The history of the Smiling or Happy Buddha can be traced back to the Bodhisattva Maitreya, the Buddha that is predicted to succeed Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism.

The names Smiling, Fat, Laughing or Happy Buddha are just Western nomenclature for this figure. He is usually depicted with a bald head, wide smile, a huge exposed belly, and always carrying a bag. It is because of the ever-present bag that the Chinese call him Budai, meaning calico or cloth bag. The Japanese name for him is Hotei, which has the same meaning.

For the Happy Buddha, history does not record a confirmed actual person that fit the descriptions and legends of this icon. Indian folklore suggests that Maitreya was originally Angida, an Indian man famous for catching snakes, who became one of the original Arhats of Buddhism.

On the other hand, Chinese tradition on Buddha history records that Maitreya or the Happy Buddha was originally a monk who lived in China during the 10th century AD. His name was Qieci and is said to have come from the province of Fenghua.

Whatever the actual origins of the Happy Buddha, history records that his influence has been tremendous in Asia. Buddhism, Taoism and Zen Buddhism have all embraced the Happy Buddha as the embodiment of happiness and prosperity. His influence can be felt in China and Japan, and other countries where Buddhism and Taoism have taken root, such as Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand.

Nowadays, many people who do not subscribe to these religions have also started to feature the Happy Buddha in their homes and offices. This is due to the rumored benefits that having a Happy Buddha statue in your home can bring. The practice is even beginning to grow in the west. The growing number of online searches for Happy Buddha history has been very encouraging, as it increases global awareness on this lovable icon.

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