Buddhism

[Theowne]

What is the story behind the "fat Buddha" statues that I see? I don't know much about Buddhism but from what I've read, Siddhartha Gautama was a great ascetic.

The "fat laughing Buddhas" are actually from Chinese culture, and most people believe that it is not connected to the founder of Buddhism, Siddhārtha Gautama, rather it is a representation of someone else, you can read on that here:

You can see that here
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hotei

An alternative explanation is that it was an influence of different cultures and what they considered to be a physical manifestation of benevolence or nobility.

 

[vajradhara]

Namaste Forgiven,

thank you for the post.

What is the story behind the "fat Buddha" statues that I see? I don't know much about Buddhism but from what I've read, Siddhartha Gautama was a great ascetic. Thanks.

Forgive me.

you are correct, that is not the Buddha at all!

many, many beings have the mistaken view that the fat laughing guy is a Buddha

That is, in fact, a being named Ho-Tei a Chinese Bodhisattva. in Chinese symbolism, a fat belly denotes a being of generosity, good humor and compassion. in a sense, Ho-Tei was a bit like the original being that Santa Clause is based upon.. he used to wander the country side and would dole out sweets to the various childern in the villages and so forth.

So... hope that answers your question if not, please feel free to ask more.

metta,

~V