4500 x 3911 px | 38,1 x 33,1 cm | 15 x 13 inches | 300dpi
Data acquisizione:
24 agosto 2008
Ubicazione:
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
Altre informazioni:
Laughing Buddha Statues are are commonly seen in homes, offices, hotels, gardens, restaurants and shops. The Laughing Buddha is a symbol of happiness, contentment, and prosperity. He is bald a rotund figure with a warm smiling face. He is clothed in robes, and his protruding tummy symbolizes abundance and mirth. He is also believed to be the future Buddha or Maitreya Buddha .The obese Buddha with a smiling face is known as ‘Budai’ in China. The Chinese laughing Buddha is associated to a roving Ch'an (Zen) monk of the Liang Dynasty in China. 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’. Sculptures and statues of the Laughing Buddha often depict him as carrying a sack that is filled with ‘goodies' like sweets, food and rice plants. The latter is a symbol of wealth. He is sometimes seen holding a wish-giving fan. The fan in Laughing Buddha Statues is believed to be the ultimate symbol of happiness and joy. The Happy Buddha is also depicted holding a staff on which rests a Wulu gourd. This is filled with the elixir for eternal youth. Often, he holds a begging bowl. His amulet symbolizes his authority in Heaven and his generous power. The Laughing Buddha is also known as the Laughing Buddha of Plenty. In Feng Shui, he is the symbol for wealth. It is believed that rubbing his tummy, which contains wealth, luck, good fortune, and joy will be ours. Laughing Buddha statues are popular house warming gifts. They are also used as good luck charms. It is commonly held that statues of the Laughing Buddha must not be placed on the floor. They must be positioned on an elevated surface, as a sign of respect. Moreover, the best direction to place them is the personal wealth direction.
