Laughing Buddha ? (tradition, incarnation)

[michel]

Andy my son bought me a lovely lttle figurine; I have been trying to Identify him, but am not having much luck; here is a picture of him. any ideas ?

[Green Gaia]

In China Maitreya is known as "the laughing Buddha" and is usually represented as a rotund figure with a happy disposition. His Chinese name is Pu-tai Ho-shang or "Hemp-bag monk". He is originally a fertility figure who was known to bring "goodies" in his bag to local townsfolk, especially children. Later, he became a pre-incarnation of Maitreya. In Japan he is called Hotei and is one of the seven lucky gods.

Most people encounter this figure in Chinese shops and restaurants and confuse him for the historical Buddha Shakyamuni. The common tradition is to rub his belly for good luck and prosperity, this is because his big figure is a sign of abundance.

[Halcyon]

I think I've seen that exact figure in a shop in Southampton!

[fromthe heart]

LOL cute little fellow...from Maizes description he sounds like China's Santa Clause...If you ever need to know anything just ask Maize you'll most likely always get your answer.

[anders]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hotei explains most of it. I'd just like to stress what Maize mentioned, that there is no connection to the Buddha Shakyamuni, and add that Maize's Ho-shang, 和尚, is héshang in pinyin and means Buddhist monk.