Why is the Buddah so fat, no disrespect?

Question

But as a messenger of hope how do you explain it
s unhealthy to be so fat.What kind of example doe
s it set?

Answer 1

In Thailand and Viet Nam, he isn't. In fact, the skinny Buddha is considered the historical one. It is known as the Shakyamuni Buddha (Shakyamuni means "Lion of the Shakya Clan').

The Chinese Buddha is usually the one depicted as fat, and one theory has it that he was originally a fertitlity god, or a god of Prosperity, and his round belly was a symbol for a bountiful harvest. As Buddhism spread into China from India, the local population accepted him as a saint, or a manifestation of the Future Buddha (Maitreya Buddha).

Hope that helps.

Answer 2

That jolly, fat Buddha you're referring to is simply one portrayal, and is a cultural depiction of what some think the next Buddha will be like. The Buddha (Awakened One) who was Prince Siddhartha, was Indian and rather thin due to the way they ate, which was off the kindness of strangers.

There are many depictions of the Buddha, Medicine Buddha is deep blue holding a little pot, Chenrezig is depicted with a thousand arms, Manjushri is depicted with a flaming sword... there are tons of depictions of the Buddha... and every little thing in each picture means something much deeper, from the mudra (hand position) to the background behind him.

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Answer 3

You need to do more research. Not all Buddhas are fat (also, the preferred English spelling is h before a). There are many Buddha images in the Theravada and Mahayana traditions of Buddhism. Some of them--notably the Laughing Buddha of China--are fat. Others, such as the famous meditating and reclining Buddhas of Thai monumental art, are quite slender.

The example Buddha offers of health and hope is not physical, but spiritual.

Answer 4

At first Buddha led a life of extreme asceticism in the pursuit of enlightenment. However, it was the following of the middle-path that facilitated his transcend into enlightenment. Hence, Buddha's teaching were that of moderation & moving away from craving.
The point I am trying to make is that Buddha was of moderate build( as can be perceived by his way of life) as he travelled on foot across India to convey his message and also did not believe in over indulgance in food or for that matter anything else. Hence, the idea of Buddha being fat is not and cannot be true.
The concept of a fat Buddha was born due to a chinese tradition of decorating homes with figurines of fat laughing Buddhas, which they believed would bring household prosperity.
I believe this should answer your question.

Answer 5

The Buddha you are referring to is a Chinese representation of a Budai or Japanese Hotei.

He is depicted in statues as a bald fat man because he is the deity of contentment and abundance. His large exposed belly symbolizes happiness (the big smile!), good luck, and plenitude.

He often has a sack draped over his shoulder that is said to be filled with precious items such as; rice plants, sweets, and children (precious to couples).

A legend says that this Buddha was very wise and handsome. People would come to marvel over his beauty and not listen to his teachings. So, he ate hugely and became fat. The people then began to listen to his teachings!

Answer 6

Only some statues portray him as fat probably as a reflection of the culture in the countries they were manufactured in rather than being particularly relevant to Buddhism as a whole. The most recent ones I saw in a museum were made in China in the 19th century and none portrayed him as being obese.

Answer 7

It's a symbol of spiritual richness. He was actually pretty skinny as he ate just enough to be satisfied.

Answer 8

I can't fully answer this, but I can tell you he isn't always depicted as being fat.

Answer 9

I suspect he never conquered the desire for food

Answer 10

He has no proper diet and exercise........no cynical pills, Viagra or something!!!!!!