Image Source: Britinica.com. 

The Laughing Buddha, also known as Budai in Chinese or Hotei in Japanese, is a beloved figure symbolizing happiness, abundance, and good fortune. Though often mistaken for the historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, the Laughing Buddha actually represents a 10th-century Chinese Zen monk known for his joyful nature and generous spirit.

According to tradition, Budai was a wandering monk who carried a large cloth sack filled with sweets and small gifts, which he freely distributed to children and the poor. His round belly, smiling face, and carefree demeanor came to symbolize contentment, generosity, and detachment from worldly worries. Over time, he became a popular figure in East Asian Buddhism and folk traditions, embodying the idea that spiritual enlightenment can also be expressed through joy and laughter.

The Laughing Buddha is typically depicted as a bald, plump monk with a wide smile and exposed belly, often holding a sack, a string of prayer beads, or a gold ingot. Each attribute carries meaning:

• The sack symbolizes abundance and the ability to take away people’s troubles.

• The gold ingot represents prosperity and wealth.

• The prayer beads signify spiritual practice and wisdom.

In many Asian households and temples, statues of the Laughing Buddha are placed to attract happiness, peace, and positive energy. Rubbing his belly is believed to bring good luck and fortune.

While not traditionally part of Bhutanese Vajrayana Buddhist iconography, the Laughing Buddha is often admired and displayed as a symbol of joy, goodwill, and prosperity, reflecting universal Buddhist values of compassion and contentment.

Product 0086 showcases the depiction of laughing buddha, carved on ‘Zhu’.

Our Timber Source is a remarkable piece with a rich history. It was originally utilized as a Zhu element in Pangrizampa Monastery and is believed to be around 200 years old. The age and significance of this timber element make it a valuable addition to any collection.