Laughing Buddha Symbol of Prosperity, Peace & Happiness
In the midst of the daily grind, visions of virtue and happiness are the first to go. Most ubiquitous of those visions is the Laughing Buddha — the round, smiling monk who grins from walls, desks, gardens, and storefronts across the country. But who is the smiling monk, and why is he ubiquitous?
Who is the Laughing Buddha?
Contrary to the common people’s belief, Laughing Buddha is not the name of the founder Gautama Buddha. He is Budai or Hotei in Chinese and Japanese mythology, respectively. A Chinese Zen Buddhist monk, it is believed that he lived in the 10th century and became synonymous with happiness, good fortune, and wealth.
His rounded belly, treat bag, and smile of catch are all signs of an open heart and free spirit that stretch and reach out to people beyond religious belief.
The Smile and What It Means. The Laughing Buddha is no actor — he exudes:
Happiness: His never-say-die attitude encourages us to believe that perhaps we would be able to learn to love small things in life.
Wealth & Prosperity: Believed to attract money and fortune, particularly when viewed in a shop window or home.
Good Luck: Belly rubbing is lucky (especially for feng shui cultures).
Spiritual Satisfaction: He invites us to transcend materialistic thinking and embrace fulfilment from the inside out.
Types of Laughing Buddha & Significance There are a few different Laughing Buddhas, and each one represents a vital blessing:
Laughing Buddha with Sack – It dispels your concerns and brings good fortune.
Laughing Buddha and Children – Representing relationship and family happiness.
Laughing Buddha on Gold Coin or Ingot – It invites wealth and prosperity.
Laughing Buddha with Fan – It chases away bad luck and brings joy.
Meditating Buddha – It provides peace of mind and harmony.
How to Position the Laughing Buddha
Placement in feng shui counts. Here are some tips:
Entrance: Coming up to the front door to usher in prosperity and good fortune.
Living Room: The space where smiles and joys are exchanged.
Office Desk: Minimising stress and maximising success.
Garden or Balcony: To give your garden or balcony a peaceful and happy ambience.
Don’t dash it on the floor, the toilet, or the ground straightaway — treat it with respect at all times. A Global Symbol of Positivity. From small statues to ginormous gold statues in temples, the Laughing Buddha fills every nook. Now, he’s a reminder in visual form to live lightly, smile more, and give more.
Final Thoughts:
The Laughing Buddha is not just a smiling statue — he’s a reminder that happiness, abundance, and peace are yours for the taking. Whether you’re a seeker of the divine or just someone who is looking to do more good for the world, the Laughing Buddha is calling out to you: Laugh more. Worry less. Live well.
