The Laughing Buddha
Adapted from http://ancienthistory.mrdonn.org/Buddhism.html and http://www.dailybuddhism.com/archives/442
Have you ever seen a ceramic or carved representation (a statue) of the Buddha, perhaps in a Chinese restaurant, or for sale in a store, or in your home or garden? Have you ever wondered why the Buddha is laughing?
The laughing Buddha reminds us that to be happy we need to have a loving heart. A big heart gives you tolerance. It helps you to greet each day with joy and all people with gladness. It helps you to tolerate a great many things with a big happy smile that reaches your eyes and your heart. Many also believe that rubbing his belly will bring good luck, wealth, and prosperity.
The truth is, the statue is not really Buddha! His name is actually Hotei and he is a deity of contentment and abundance based on a real Chinese monk named Budai. Budai lived in the early 6th century B.C.E. He is almost always shown smiling or laughing, hence his nickname in Chinese, the “Laughing Buddha.”
Remember the original story of Siddhartha Gautama? The prince left his life of luxury to live in the wilderness for six years. While he was out there, he lived the life of an ascetic, refusing food and nearly starving to death. He turned to the Middle Path, avoiding eating too much or too little. The style of statue below is probably more realistic.
The laughing Buddha reminds us that to be happy we need to have a loving heart. A big heart gives you tolerance. It helps you to greet each day with joy and all people with gladness. It helps you to tolerate a great many things with a big happy smile that reaches your eyes and your heart. Many also believe that rubbing his belly will bring good luck, wealth, and prosperity.
The truth is, the statue is not really Buddha! His name is actually Hotei and he is a deity of contentment and abundance based on a real Chinese monk named Budai. Budai lived in the early 6th century B.C.E. He is almost always shown smiling or laughing, hence his nickname in Chinese, the “Laughing Buddha.”
Remember the original story of Siddhartha Gautama? The prince left his life of luxury to live in the wilderness for six years. While he was out there, he lived the life of an ascetic, refusing food and nearly starving to death. He turned to the Middle Path, avoiding eating too much or too little. The style of statue below is probably more realistic.
Buddha and Ashoka
Review what you have learned and get a sneak peek at Ashoka with this fun video from Crash Course with John Green: