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. Who does not want to be happy? Rubbing the Stomach of the Laughing Buddha 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.Remember also to always keep the statue very clean. The Laughing Buddha covered in dust will not do you any good.
The Laughing Buddha Symbols Meaning
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.
For Wealth and Prosperity
If this is your goal you should purchase a Laughing Buddha statue with gold nuggets. Some statues include a pot of gold, others a bag filled with gold nuggets. Also a laughing Buddha with a wealth ball would be a good choice. The wealth ball is meant to attract prosperity.
You might even find a statue of the Laughing Buddha sitting on a good luck frog. The frog will have a coin in its mouth. All of these statues are good choices for money matters.
For General Good Luck and Abundance of all Kinds
or good luck in all matters including good fortune and great abundance it would be wise to choose a Laughing Buddha statue where he is holding a bowl. The bowl symbolizes receiving good fortune. The owner of this statue shows that he or she is open and ready to receive all good things.
For Spiritual Insight and Understanding
Some statues show the Laughing Buddha holding a fan. The fan is called an Oogi. The fan represents that the owner seeks inner peace and spiritual wisdom. There are claims that the fan represents the waving away of all negative energy and any troubles or concerns a person might have. This is the “don’t worry, be happy” kind of fan. This will bring contentment and a stress free life. For people wanting to learn the secrets of divine wisdom and live in harmony this is the statue to go for.
For a Long Happy Life
You may come across a Laughing Buddha statue wearing a large hat. This symbolizes a long happy and healthy life. People who just want to live a long carefree life with little or no worries may want to have this statue. This may not bring you loads of material wealth, but who cares? The most important thing here is to stay content, healthy and enjoy a long life.
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 the following:
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.
Where to Place the Laughing Buddha in Your Home?
You should never place the statue in your bathroom. He should not be placed on any electronic devices, this includes your TV. Many Feng Shui followers say that you should avoid placing him in your bedroom.Never place your laughing Buddha on the floor. That would not show the honor and respect he deserves.
Golden Happy Buddha
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.
You should place the Laughing Buddha in your living room or entrance hall. If it is possible he likes to be able to see the door. You may also consider placing him by your workplace or office.
You will receive 1 statue.
