in the books I've read, Siddhartha Gautama had been an ascetic, an avid walker, and never seemed to eat much. So why are there Fat statues of him?
2006-06-26 17:03:53 · 12 answers · asked by Timothy H 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Buddha Maitreya (the loving one) is the Buddha of the future. He's actually referred to as the "laughing buddha" or "happy buddha", NOT "fat Buddha". He is not Siddhartha, he is actually the buddha of the fifth world cycle. But just like Siddhartha, he was intended for this world to spread his words and teachings and return once he's done his merit. He is thought of to bring good health and fortune to his believers. It is very common to see his statue in businesses of asian decents.
2006-06-26 17:24:25 · answer #1 · answered by Plumeriaessence 2 · 7⤊ 3⤋
Laughing Buddha/ hotei:
A rather inaccurate name given by Westerners to the Bodhisattva Maitreya as he is depicted in Chinese iconography. Maitreya means the Loving or Friendly One and consequently ancient artists thought it appropriate to depict this bodhisattva as a rotund, cheerfully smiling character. Statues of Maitreya are usually found at the entrance of Chinese temples and among more superstitious Chinese Buddhists are sometimes worshipped as a god of good luck and prosperity.
Sakyamuni, the historical Buddha usually depicted with a bare shoulder and hands in his lap or one touching the floor.
Maitreya, the Future Buddha, usually in a posture of reflection: the Laughing Buddha of the Chinese.
2006-06-27 12:24:28 · answer #2 · answered by sista! 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have seen 2 representations of a buddha. One is the thin version then there are the fat bald types. The fat ones are representative of prosperity, happiness, good luck, fortune ect. The other one is the one that Buddhists aspire to. They do not worship him they just practice his teaching to reach nirvana and ultimate enlightenment.
2006-06-27 00:08:59 · answer #3 · answered by ldyrhiannon 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's disrespectful to call Buddha fat.
2006-06-27 00:08:33 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The poor guy is being profiled in the continuing war on terrorism
wOrd
2006-06-27 03:22:33 · answer #5 · answered by Mad Max 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It's supposed to represent happiness.
2006-06-27 00:05:33 · answer #6 · answered by Brett 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He's fat with happiness!!
2006-06-27 00:07:17 · answer #7 · answered by Krn 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In short, they are representative of abundance.
2006-06-27 00:14:10 · answer #8 · answered by debisioux 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Fat and happy, it's stereotyping.
2006-06-27 00:07:32 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think it represents wealth and happiness. i hope a Buddhist weighs in. get it "weighs in".
2006-06-27 00:08:10 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋