Most of us have seen a statue of the "Laughing Buddha" or probably bought one..A symbol for good luck,the "laughing buddha" is a showcase item in almost every house..
The laughing buddha is known by differenty names.He was named "Hotei" in Japan, "Pu-Tai" by the Chinese.He is also known as Loving or the friendly one.He is based on an eccentric
Chinese Ch'an (Zen) monk who lived over 1,000 years ago and has become a significant part
of Buddhist and Shinto culture.
His large protruding stomach and jolly smile have given him the common designation "Laughing Buddha."The legend says that,rubbing the great belly of the laughing buddha brings you luck,wealth etc..
The Laughing Buddha emerged from Chinese folktales of the 10th century.
The Chinese laughing Buddha is associated to a roving Ch'an (Zen) monk,"Ch'i-t'zu" of the Liang Dynasty in China,who did small wonders like predicting weather,fortune etc
He was famous for his benevolent and cheerful nature. He used to carry a cloth like bag wherever he went.The bag was called ‘Pu- Tai’ in indigenous Chinese language. Hence the monk came to be known as ‘Pu-tai Hoshang’ or ‘hemp-bag monk’
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