Hotei Buddha (Budai) is traditionally depicted as a fat bald man wearing a robe and wearing or otherwise carrying prayer beads. He carries his few possessions in a cloth sack,being poor but content. He is often depicted entertaining or being followed by adoring children. His figure appears throughout Chinese culture as a representation of contentment. His image graces many temples, restaurants, amulets, and businesses. According to Chinese history, Hotei Buddha - Budai was an eccentric Chán monk (Chinese: 禅; pinyin: chán)who lived in China during the Later Liang Dynasty (907–923 CE). He was a native of Fenghua, and his Buddhist name was Qieci (Chinese: 契此; pinyin: qiècǐ; literally "Promise this"). He was considered a man of good and loving character. The term buddha means "one who is awake", connoting one who has awakened into enlightenment. Over the history of Buddhism, there have been several notable figures who would come to be remembered as, and referred to as, buddhas. Later followers of the Chan school would come to teach that all beings possess Buddha nature within them, and are already enlightened, but have yet to realize it. This teaching would continue into Zen. Amongst those new to Buddhism, or otherwise unfamiliar with its history, Hotei Buddha - Budai is often conflated with (or simply replaces) the historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, in spite of the distinct visual differences in how each has been depicted. In India, Nepal, and throughout southeast Asia, Gautama (who lived during the 6th c. BCE) is commonly depicted as being tall and slender in appearance. In contrast, in China and those areas to which Chinese cultural influence spread, the depiction of Budai (who lived during the 10th c. CE) is consistently short and rotund. Both depictions are the idealized results of the religious, cultural and folkloric traditions which evolved in the centuries after their respective deaths. Hotei is the deity of happiness, laughter, abundance, wisdom and contentment. This Chinese "Buddha" is found with a happy smile, elongated earlobes for wisdom, and a large, round belly that symbolizes happiness, good luck, and generosity; it is said that rubbing his belly will bring good fortunes and joy. Hotei is often seen carrying a large, heavy sack, which is filled with precious gifts for all who encounter him- a symbol of the fulfillment of wishes. This Chinese feng shui hanger features a Happy Hotei and three Chinese coins. Hang in a doorway, entryway or hallway to bring good fortune to your home or office. 10" |