Budai is a nickname given to the historical Chinese
monk
A monk (; from , ''monachos'', "single, solitary" via Latin ) is a man who is a member of a religious order and lives in a monastery. A monk usually lives his life in prayer and contemplation. The concept is ancient and can be seen in many reli ...
Qieci () in the
Later Liang Dynasty, who is often identified with and venerated as the future or
Maitreya Buddha in
Chan Buddhism
Chan (; of ), from Sanskrit '' dhyāna'' (meaning " meditation" or "meditative state"), is a Chinese school of Mahāyāna Buddhism. It developed in China from the 6th century CE onwards, becoming especially popular during the Tang and Song ...
and Buddhist scripture. With the spread of Chan Buddhism, he also came to be venerated in
Vietnam
Vietnam, officially the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (SRV), is a country at the eastern edge of mainland Southeast Asia, with an area of about and a population of over 100 million, making it the world's List of countries and depende ...
,
Korea
Korea is a peninsular region in East Asia consisting of the Korean Peninsula, Jeju Island, and smaller islands. Since the end of World War II in 1945, it has been politically Division of Korea, divided at or near the 38th parallel north, 3 ...
, and
Japan
Japan is an island country in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean off the northeast coast of the Asia, Asian mainland, it is bordered on the west by the Sea of Japan and extends from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea ...
.
Budai is said to have lived around the 10th century CE in the
Wuyue
Wuyue (; ) was a Dynasties in Chinese history, dynastic state of China and one of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period#Ten Kingdoms, Ten Kingdoms during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period of History of China, Chinese history. It wa ...
kingdom.
The name "Budai" literally means "cloth sack",
and refers to the bag he is usually depicted carrying as he wanders aimlessly. His jolly nature, humorous personality, and
eccentric lifestyle distinguish him from most Buddhist masters or figures. He is almost always shown smiling or laughing, hence his nickname in Chinese, the "Laughing Buddha".
Budai is traditionally depicted as overweight and having a huge stomach (possibly a
symbol
A symbol is a mark, Sign (semiotics), sign, or word that indicates, signifies, or is understood as representing an idea, physical object, object, or wikt:relationship, relationship. Symbols allow people to go beyond what is known or seen by cr ...
of abundance or forgiveness) and many stories surrounding Budai involve his love of food and drink. Because of this, he is also referred to as the "Fat Buddha", especially in the
Western world
The Western world, also known as the West, primarily refers to various nations and state (polity), states in Western Europe, Northern America, and Australasia; with some debate as to whether those in Eastern Europe and Latin America also const ...
, where he is often mistaken for
the original Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama.
The main textual record of Budai's life resides in a collection of
Chan Buddhist
Chan (; of ), from Sanskrit ''dhyāna in Buddhism, dhyāna'' (meaning "meditation" or "meditative state"), is a Chinese school of Mahayana, Mahāyāna Buddhism. It developed in China from the 6th century CE onwards, becoming especially popula ...
monks' biographies known as ''
The Transmission of the Lamp''.
Hagiography
Budai has origins centered on cult worship and local legend.
He is traditionally depicted as a fat, bald monk wearing a simple robe. He carries his few possessions in a cloth sack, being poor but content. He would excitingly entertain the adoring children that followed him and was known for patting his large belly happily. His figure appears throughout Chinese culture as a representation of both contentment and abundance. Budai attracted the townspeople around him as he was able to predict people's fortunes and even weather patterns.
The wandering monk was often inclined to sleep anywhere he came to, even outside, for his mystical powers could ward off the bitter colds of snow and his body was left unaffected.
A recovered death note dated to 28 March 917, which the monk himself wrote, claims that he is an incarnation of
Maitreya
Maitreya (Sanskrit) or Metteyya (Pali), is a bodhisattva who is regarded as the future Buddhahood, Buddha of this world in all schools of Buddhism, prophesied to become Maitreya Buddha or Metteyya Buddha.Williams, Paul. ''Mahayana Buddhism: Th ...
, the Buddha of the Future.
A body allegedly belonging to Budai was embalmed and displayed at the eastern section of the Great Hall at Yuelin Temple in
Fenghua District,
Zhejiang
)
, translit_lang1_type2 =
, translit_lang1_info2 = ( Hangzhounese) ( Ningbonese) (Wenzhounese)
, image_skyline = 玉甑峰全貌 - panoramio.jpg
, image_caption = View of the Yandang Mountains
, image_map = Zhejiang i ...
.
Role in Chan Buddhist Pantheon
Budai was one of several "uncommitted saints" that became incorporated into the Chan pantheon.
Similar "eccentric" figures from the
lamp histories were never officially inducted or appropriated into the
Chan patriarchal line. Instead, these obscure figures represented the "special transmission" that occurred during the early to mid 12th century. This transmission did not rely on patriarchal lineage legitimacy but instead used the peculiar personalities and qualities of various folkloric figures to illustrate the Chan tradition's new commitment to the idea of "awakening" and the propagation of Chan to a larger congregation. The Chan Masters,
Dahui Zonggao (1089–1163) and
Hongzhi Zhengjue
Hongzhi Zhengjue (, ), also sometimes called Tiantong Zhengjue (; ) (1091–1157), was an influential Chinese Chan Buddhism, Chan Buddhist monk who authored or compiled several influential texts. Hongzhi's conception of ''shikantaza, silent illu ...
(1091–1157), were both leaders in the initial merging of local legend and Buddhist tradition.
They hoped the induction of likable and odd figures would attract all types of people to the Chan tradition, no matter their gender, social background, or complete understanding of the dharma and patriarchal lineage.
Bernard Faure summarizes this merging of local legend and Chan tradition by explaining, "One strategy in Chan for domesticating the occult was to transform thaumaturges into tricksters by playing down their occult powers and stressing their this-world aspect..."
The movement allocated the figures as religious props and channeled their extraordinary charismas into the lens of the Chan pantheon in order to appeal to a larger population. Ultimately, Budai was revered from both a folkloric standpoint as a strange, wandering vagabond of the people as well as from his newfound personage within the context of the Chan tradition as a 'mendicant priest'
who brought abundance, fortune, and joy to all he encountered with the help of his mystical "cloth sack" bag.
In art
Budai is almost always depicted with his cloth sack that looks like a large bag. The bag serves as a prominent motif within the context of Chan Buddhism as it represents abundance, prosperity, and contentment. Ink paintings such as these attributed to Budai often had an inscription and seal that signaled to high-ranking officials. For example, ''Budai and Jiang Mohe'' was inscribed by Chusi Fanqi, who was closely related to
Song Lian (1310–1381) and Wei Su (1295–1372).
After Chan Buddhism was transmitted to Japan around the 13th century as
Zen
Zen (; from Chinese: ''Chán''; in Korean: ''Sŏn'', and Vietnamese: ''Thiền'') is a Mahayana Buddhist tradition that developed in China during the Tang dynasty by blending Indian Mahayana Buddhism, particularly Yogacara and Madhyamaka phil ...
Buddhism, the devout monastics and laymen of the area utilized figure painting to portray the characters central to this "awakening" period of Zen art.
Many of the eccentric personalities that were inducted into the Zen tradition like Budai were previously wrapped up in the established culture and folklore of Japan. The assimilation and reapplication of these wondrous charismas to the Zen pantheon assisted in the expansion of the Zen tradition.
As the images demonstrate, Budai is most jubilant when in the presence of others, especially children. When depicted with other gods in the
Seven Lucky Gods
In Japanese mythology, the are believed to grant good luck and are often represented in netsuke and in artworks. One of the seven (Jurōjin) is said to be based on a historical figure.
They all began as remote and impersonal gods, but graduall ...
, Budai maintains a solemn or even depressed countenance. Budai's round figure comes into practical use through the sculpting of the incense box (18th century) that splits the monk's body into two halves. The newer images such as ''Hotei and Children Carrying Lanterns'' (19th century) employs much more color, dramatization of physical features, and detail than the older pieces such as ''Hotei'' from
Mokuan Reien (1336) that employs much more wispy and heavily contrasting outlines of his figure with no color or assumed setting.
Japanese iconography, like that of Zen master
Hakuin Ekaku
was one of the most influential figures in Japanese Zen Buddhism, who regarded bodhicitta, working for the benefit of others, as the ultimate concern of Zen-training. While never having received formal dharma transmission, he is regarded as th ...
, shows Budai in a multiplicity of representative actions, like entertaining passersby, sheltering children under an umbrella and
meditating
Meditation is a practice in which an individual uses a technique to train attention and awareness and detach from reflexive, "discursive thinking", achieving a mentally clear and emotionally calm and stable state, while not judging the meditat ...
using his sack as a
cushion
A cushion is a soft bag of some ornamental material, usually stuffed with wool, hair, feathers, polyester staple fiber, non-woven material, cotton, or even paper torn into fragments. It may be used for sitting or kneeling upon, or to soften ...
. In an especially known motif, Budai appears smoking in a
kiseru and exhaling
Otafuku, an ugly but charming prostitute that embodies Zen happiness, in a humorous reflection of the tradition according to which
Shandao
Shandao (; ; 613–681) was a Chinese Buddhist scholar monk and an influential figure of East Asian Pure Land Buddhism.Jones (2019), pp. 20-21
Shandao was one of the first Pure Land authors to argue that all Pṛthagjana, ordinary people, and e ...
exhaled
Amida
Amida can mean :
Places and jurisdictions
* Amida (Mesopotamia), now Diyarbakır, an ancient city in Asian Turkey; it is (nominal) seat of:
** The Chaldean Catholic Archeparchy of Amida
** The Latin titular Metropolitan see of Amida of the Ro ...
,
Kannon
Guanyin () is a common Chinese name of the bodhisattva associated with Karuṇā, compassion known as Avalokiteśvara (). Guanyin is short for Guanshiyin, which means " he One WhoPerceives the Sounds of the World". Originally regarded as m ...
and
Seishi with a prayer. The
smooth lumpfish is known in Japan as ''hotei-uo'' ("Budai fish") due to its rotund appearance.
Sculpture
File:Hangzhou 2006 18-23.jpg, Sculpture of Budai at the Feilai Feng grottoes in Zhejiang
)
, translit_lang1_type2 =
, translit_lang1_info2 = ( Hangzhounese) ( Ningbonese) (Wenzhounese)
, image_skyline = 玉甑峰全貌 - panoramio.jpg
, image_caption = View of the Yandang Mountains
, image_map = Zhejiang i ...
, China. Northern Song dynasty
The Song dynasty ( ) was an imperial dynasty of China that ruled from 960 to 1279. The dynasty was founded by Emperor Taizu of Song, who usurped the throne of the Later Zhou dynasty and went on to conquer the rest of the Ten Kingdoms, endin ...
, 11th century.
File:20090608 Hangzhou Feilai Feng 9060.jpg, Budai as Maitreya at the Feilai Feng grottoes, depicted with disciples
File:湖山寺的彌勒佛.JPG, Statue of Budai at Hushan Temple in Taiwan
Taiwan, officially the Republic of China (ROC), is a country in East Asia. The main geography of Taiwan, island of Taiwan, also known as ''Formosa'', lies between the East China Sea, East and South China Seas in the northwestern Pacific Ocea ...
File:Haedong Yonggungsa Budai 07-6141.jpg, Statue of Budai as Maitreya at Haedong Yonggungsa temple in South Korea
South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea (ROK), is a country in East Asia. It constitutes the southern half of the Korea, Korean Peninsula and borders North Korea along the Korean Demilitarized Zone, with the Yellow Sea to the west and t ...
File:Tsuhozan Mirokuji 08.JPG, Statue of Budai at Miroku-ji in Himeji
260px, Himeji City Hall
is a city located in Hyōgo Prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan. , the city had an estimated population of 525,682 in 227,099 households and a population density of 980 persons per km2. The total area of the city is ...
city, Hyōgo Prefecture
is a Prefectures of Japan, prefecture of Japan located in the Kansai region of Honshu. Hyōgo Prefecture has a population of 5,469,762 () and a geographic area of . Hyōgo Prefecture borders Kyoto Prefecture to the east, Osaka Prefecture to th ...
, Japan. It is the largest Budai sculpture in Japan.
File:Budai.jpg, Statue of Budai at Vĩnh Tràng Temple in Vietnam
Vietnam, officially the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (SRV), is a country at the eastern edge of mainland Southeast Asia, with an area of about and a population of over 100 million, making it the world's List of countries and depende ...
File:Budai statue at Wat Nuan Naram Koh Samui Thailand.jpg, Statue of Budai at Ko Samui
Ko Samui (or Koh Samui), often locally shortened to Samui (, ), is an island off the east coast of Thailand. Geographically in the Mu Ko Samui, Chumphon Archipelago, it is part of Surat Thani Province, though as of 2012, Ko Samui was granted munic ...
island, Thailand
Thailand, officially the Kingdom of Thailand and historically known as Siam (the official name until 1939), is a country in Southeast Asia on the Mainland Southeast Asia, Indochinese Peninsula. With a population of almost 66 million, it spa ...
File:മൈത്രെയബുദ്ധൻ.jpg, Statue of Budai in the Chinese style at Chalakudy
Chalakudy () is a municipal town situated on the banks of Chalakudy River in Thrissur district of the Kerala state in India. It is the headquarters of Chalakudy taluk. It is the base camp for travellers to Athirappilly Falls and Vazhachal Falls ...
, Kerala
Kerala ( , ) is a States and union territories of India, state on the Malabar Coast of India. It was formed on 1 November 1956, following the passage of the States Reorganisation Act, by combining Malayalam-speaking regions of the erstwhile ...
, India
File:Small budai in a cafe in central Birmingham.jpg, Small statue at a cafe in Birmingham
Birmingham ( ) is a City status in the United Kingdom, city and metropolitan borough in the metropolitan county of West Midlands (county), West Midlands, within the wider West Midlands (region), West Midlands region, in England. It is the Lis ...
, United Kingdom
File:Figure of Budai, "Laughing Buddha" - DPLA - 86306ffa590044edecc53205147eecfc.jpg, Figure of Budai, "Laughing Buddha", c. 1920–1960. Leon Abdalian Collection, Boston Public Library
Paintings
File:Budai and Jiang Mohe.jpg, ''Budai and Jiang Mohe Discussing Buddhism'', by Yintuoluo and inscribed by Chushi Fanqi. Circa 1350.
File:Mokuan Reien - HOTEI(BUDAI) - Google Art Project.jpg, Hanging scroll showing Hotei, by Mokuan Reien and inscribed by Liao'an Qingyu. 14th century.
File:Brooklyn Museum - Po-dae - Kim Myong-kuk - overall.jpg, Painting of Podae, by Kim Myong-kuk, Joseon dynasty
Joseon ( ; ; also romanized as ''Chosun''), officially Great Joseon (), was a dynastic kingdom of Korea that existed for 505 years. It was founded by Taejo of Joseon in July 1392 and replaced by the Korean Empire in October 1897. The kingdom w ...
, 1600–1650
File:HoteiMusashi.jpg, Painting of Hotei watching two cocks fighting, by the famous swordsman Miyamoto Musashi
, was a Japanese swordsman, strategist, artist, and writer who became renowned through stories of his unique double-bladed swordsmanship and undefeated record in his 62 duels. Miyamoto is considered a ''Kensei (honorary title), kensei'' (swo ...
(1584–1645)
File:Kano Koi Hotei, Edo Period.jpg, Painting of Hotei, by Kanō Kōi of the Kanō school
The is one of the most famous schools of Japanese painting. The Kanō school of painting was the dominant style of painting from the late 15th century until the Meiji era, Meiji period which began in 1868, by which time the school had divided i ...
. Early 17th century.
File:Painting of Hotei by Odano Naotake, 18th century.jpg, Hotei lifting his belly, a stereotypical depiction based on earlier Chinese copies. Painting by Odano Naotake (1750–1780), Edo period
The , also known as the , is the period between 1600 or 1603 and 1868 in the history of Japan, when the country was under the rule of the Tokugawa shogunate and some 300 regional ''daimyo'', or feudal lords. Emerging from the chaos of the Sengok ...
.
File:Hotei by Ito Jakuchu (Homma Museum of Art).jpg, Minimalist painting of Hotei and his bag, by Itō Jakuchū (1716–1800), Edo period
File:Hotei with Summer and Winter Landscapes, triptych by Igarashi Shunmel .jpg, ''Hotei With Summer and Winter Landscapes''. Triptych by Igarashi Shunmei (1768), Edo period.
File:Godo no tsuki.jpg, ''The Moon of Enlightenment'', depicting Hotei pointing at the Moon. From the print series ''One Hundred Aspects of the Moon'' by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi
Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (; also named Taiso Yoshitoshi ; 30 April 1839 – 9 June 1892) was a Japanese printmaker.Louis-Frédéric, Nussbaum, Louis Frédéric. (2005)"Tsukoka Kōgyō"in ''Japan Encyclopedia,'' p. 1000.
Yoshitoshi ha ...
. 1885–1891, Meiji Era.
File:Hotei and children carrying lanterns.png, ''Hotei and Children Carrying Lanterns'', by Utagawa Kuniyoshi
Utagawa Kuniyoshi (, ; 1 January 1798 – 14 April 1861) was one of the last great masters of the Japanese ukiyo-e style of woodblock prints and painting.Nussbaum, Louis Frédéric ''et al'' (2005). "Kuniyoshi" in He was a member of the Utaga ...
. 19th century.
Crafts
File:Netsuke with Hotei, 17th century, ivory, Honolulu Museum of Art.JPG, Ivory netsuke depicting Hotei. Japan, 17th century.
File:Kinesisk porslinsfigur föreställande Budai, på bronsplatta från 1800-talet - Hallwylska museet - 95963.tif, Chinese porcelain figure of Budai with European ormolu
Ormolu (; ) is the gilding technique of applying finely ground, high-carat gold– mercury amalgam to an object of bronze, and objects finished in this way. The mercury is driven off in a kiln, leaving behind a gold coating. The French refer to ...
stand. Qing dynasty
The Qing dynasty ( ), officially the Great Qing, was a Manchu-led Dynasties of China, imperial dynasty of China and an early modern empire in East Asia. The last imperial dynasty in Chinese history, the Qing dynasty was preceded by the ...
, 1720–1730.
File:French - Perfumer (Cassolette) - Walters 542261.jpg, Scent container featuring a Chinese porcelain figure of Budai with French ormolu
Ormolu (; ) is the gilding technique of applying finely ground, high-carat gold– mercury amalgam to an object of bronze, and objects finished in this way. The mercury is driven off in a kiln, leaving behind a gold coating. The French refer to ...
gilding and added porcelain flowers, an example of chinoiserie
(, ; loanword from French '' chinoiserie'', from '' chinois'', "Chinese"; ) is the European interpretation and imitation of Chinese and other Sinosphere artistic traditions, especially in the decorative arts, garden design, architecture, lite ...
art. France, 1745–1749.
File:Hotei Dreaming on His Bag of Treasures LACMA M.87.263.70.jpg, Hotei dreaming on his bag of treasures. Ceramic with gold and lacquer. Japan, mid-19th century.
Confusion with other religious figures
Angida
Angida was one of the original
Eighteen Arhats. According to legend, Angida was a talented Indian snake catcher whose aim was to catch venomous snakes to prevent them from biting passers-by. Angida would also remove the snake's venomous fangs and release them. Due to his kindness, he was able to attain
bodhi
The English term ''enlightenment'' is the Western translation of various Buddhist terms, most notably ''bodhi'' and ''vimutti''. The abstract noun ''bodhi'' (; Sanskrit: बोधि; Pali: ''bodhi'') means the knowledge or wisdom, or awakene ...
.
In Chinese art, Angida is sometimes portrayed as Budai, being rotund, laughing, and carrying a bag.
Gautama Buddha

In the
Western world
The Western world, also known as the West, primarily refers to various nations and state (polity), states in Western Europe, Northern America, and Australasia; with some debate as to whether those in Eastern Europe and Latin America also const ...
, Budai is often mistaken for
Gautama Buddha
Siddhartha Gautama, most commonly referred to as the Buddha (),*
*
*
was a śramaṇa, wandering ascetic and religious teacher who lived in South Asia during the 6th or 5th century BCE and founded Buddhism. According to Buddhist lege ...
himself, and thus is nicknamed the "Fat Buddha".
Kangxi Emperor
In Mongolia, Budai is called Enkh Amaglan Khan, which is identical to the Mongolian name for the
Kangxi Emperor
The Kangxi Emperor (4 May 165420 December 1722), also known by his temple name Emperor Shengzu of Qing, personal name Xuanye, was the third emperor of the Qing dynasty, and the second Qing emperor to rule over China proper. His reign of 61 ...
. Because of this, Budai is often mistaken for the Kangxi Emperor.
Phra Sangkajai
In
Thailand
Thailand, officially the Kingdom of Thailand and historically known as Siam (the official name until 1939), is a country in Southeast Asia on the Mainland Southeast Asia, Indochinese Peninsula. With a population of almost 66 million, it spa ...
, Budai is sometimes confused with the
arhat
In Buddhism, an ''Arhat'' () or ''Arahant'' (, 𑀅𑀭𑀳𑀦𑁆𑀢𑁆) is one who has gained insight into the true nature of existence and has achieved ''Nirvana (Buddhism), Nirvana'' and has been liberated from the Rebirth (Buddhism ...
Kaccāyana, known in Thailand as ''Phra Sangkajai'' or ''Phra Sangkachai''. Buddha praised Phra Sangkajai for his excellence in explaining sophisticated concepts of the
dhamma
Dharma (; , ) is a key concept in various Indian religions. The term ''dharma'' does not have a single, clear translation and conveys a multifaceted idea. Etymologically, it comes from the Sanskrit ''dhr-'', meaning ''to hold'' or ''to support' ...
in an easily and correctly understandable manner. Phra Sangkajai is also known for composing the ''Madhupindika Sutta''.
One story from
Thai folklore
Thai folklore is a diverse set of mythology and traditional beliefs held by the Thai people. Most Thai folklore has a regional background for it originated in rural Thailand. With the passing of time, and through the influence of the media, large ...
relates that Phra Sangkajai was so handsome that even a man once wanted him for a wife. To avoid a similar situation, Phra Sangkajai decided to transform himself into a fat monk. Another tale says he was so attractive that angels and men often compared him with the Buddha. He considered this inappropriate, so disguised himself in a fat body.
Although both Budai and Phra Sangkajai may be found in both Thai and Chinese temples, Phra Sangkajai is found more often in Thai temples, and Budai in Chinese temples. Two points to distinguish them from one another are:
# Phra Sangkajai has a trace of hair on his head (looking similar to the Buddha's) while Budai is clearly bald.
# Phra Sangkajai wears the robes in
Theravada
''Theravāda'' (; 'School of the Elders'; ) is Buddhism's oldest existing school. The school's adherents, termed ''Theravādins'' (anglicized from Pali ''theravādī''), have preserved their version of the Buddha's teaching or ''Dharma (Buddhi ...
fashion, with the robes folded across one shoulder, leaving the other uncovered. Budai wears the robes in Chinese style, covering both arms but leaving the front part of the upper body uncovered.
See also
*
Buddha Shenrab
*
Maitreya Buddha
Notes
References
External links
*
*
*
{{Japanese Buddhist Pantheon
Bodhisattvas
Buddhas
Chinese gods
Fortune gods
Investiture of the Gods characters
Journey to the West characters
Tang dynasty Buddhist monks
Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Buddhist monks
Wuyue Buddhists
Yiguandao
Maitreya
Buddhism in China
Legendary Chinese people
Deified Chinese men