Budai

Budai is a widely recognized figure within various Buddhist traditions. He is often identified as a nickname for a historical Chinese monk named Qieci. This monk lived during the Later Liang Dynasty. Many followers in the Chan Buddhist tradition venerate him as Maitreya, the Buddha of the Future. His name literally translates to "cloth sack." This refers to the large bag he carries as he wanders.

Budai is most famous for his jolly and eccentric personality. Unlike many formal Buddhist masters, he is almost always shown laughing or smiling. This has earned him the nickname "the Laughing Buddha." He is traditionally depicted as a fat, bald monk in simple robes. His large stomach is often seen as a symbol of abundance or forgiveness. Because of his appearance, people in the Western world often call him the "Fat Buddha." He is frequently mistaken for the historical Gautama Buddha.

In Chan Buddhism, Budai is classified as an "uncommitted saint." These were special figures who were part of the Chan pantheon. They were not part of the official patriarchal lineage of leaders. Instead, they represented a "special transmission" that emerged during the 12th century. This movement focused on the idea of "awakening" for a larger group of people. Chan masters like Dahui Zonggao and Hongzhi Zhengjue helped merge local legends with Buddhist tradition. They used these likable, odd figures to attract people of all social backgrounds.

Local legends and hagiography provide many details about his life. Some stories claim Budai could predict weather patterns or people's fortunes. He was a wandering man who lived very simply. He would sleep wherever he arrived, even outdoors. Some legends say he could ward off the bitter cold. A historical note dated March 28, 917, claims he was an incarnation of Maitreya. Some believe his body is displayed at the Yuelin Temple in the Zhejiang province. His cloth sack serves as a major motif in art. It represents prosperity, contentment, and abundance.

Budai's influence spread through Asia as Buddhism moved across borders. When Chan Buddhism reached Japan around the 13th century, it became Zen Buddhism. Japanese monastics used figure paintings to show characters from this era of awakening. In Japan, Budai is sometimes known as Hotei. His image appears in many different artistic styles. Older pieces, like those from 1336, use thin, wispy outlines without color. Newer 19th-century images use much more color and dramatic physical details.

Japanese iconography shows Budai performing many different actions. He is shown entertaining people or sheltering children with an umbrella. He is even depicted using his sack as a meditation cushion. One famous motif shows him smoking a kiseru, which is a Japanese pipe. In Japan, even a smooth lumpfish is called a "hotei-uo" or "Budai fish" because of his round shape. These artistic depictions helped spread his image and his message of joy.

Budai is often confused with several other religious figures. In Chinese art, he is sometimes portrayed as Angida. Angida was one of the original Eighteen Arhats and a snake catcher. In Mongolia, he is called Enkh Amaglan Khan, which is the same name as the Kangxi Emperor. In Thailand, he is sometimes confused with the arhat Phra Sangkajai. You can tell them apart by their physical features. Phra Sangkajai has a trace of hair on his head. He also wears robes in the Theravada fashion, leaving one shoulder uncovered. Budai is completely bald and wears robes in a Chinese style.