The Laughing Buddha is considered a symbol of happiness, abundance, satisfaction, and well-being. Laughing Buddha statues are seen as auspicious and are often placed in homes, offices, hotels, and restaurants to bring positive energy and luck.
Read on to learn more about the meaning of the Laughing Buddha and how to keep it in your home.
Laughing Buddha: Meaning
The Laughing Buddha is a statue of a short, chubby man with a satisfied smile on his face. These statues are considered symbols of happiness, contentment, and luck. That's why Laughing Buddha figurines are very popular in interior decoration. These statues always depict the Laughing Buddha carrying a cloth sack filled with food and other treasures. Laughing Buddha statues come in various forms, each symbolizing something, ranging from luck, prosperity, and wealth to happiness, family love, and other values.
Laughing Buddha: History
The figure depicted in Laughing Buddha statues and images is a Chinese Zen monk named Budai, who lived towards the end of the Liang Dynasty, between 907 and 923 AD. Known for his loving and gentle nature, he always wore a cheerful smile, earning him the title of "Laughing Buddha." Some Buddhist traditions regard him as the future Buddha or "Bodhisattva Maitreya."
Laughing Buddha Statue: Significance
The Laughing Buddha statue reminds us to be grateful, overcome obstacles, and most importantly, to be happy in life. In Feng Shui tradition, the reason for purchasing and placing statues in the house is to correct a certain imbalance in a person's life. While it is a Feng Shui symbol, practitioners of Vastu Shastra have also encouraged the installation of laughing Buddhas in homes. The Laughing Buddha resembles Kubera (the god of wealth). Indians therefore associate it with prosperity.
Opting for a Laughing Buddha statue for the Vastu house and placing it in the northeast direction is considered auspicious.
Laughing Buddha: Real Name
According to Chinese traditions, the Laughing Buddha is a representation of the Chinese Zen monk known as "Budai." The Buddhist name of this monk was Qieci (Pinyin in Chinese) and he hailed from Fenghua.
Laughing Buddha Statue: Popularity and Prevalence
Most Chinese temples feature Laughing Buddha statues at their entrance. Lingyin Temple in Hangzhou is renowned for its immense 24.6-meter tall Laughing Buddha statue, carved from camphor wood and covered in 60 taels of gold. It is the largest wooden statue in China. Laughing Buddha statues are also sold as souvenirs in gift shops and outside temples and monasteries worldwide.
Types of Laughing Buddhas and Their Meanings
There are many types of Laughing Buddha statues you can add to your interior. Here's a list with the meaning and significance of each type.
Laughing Buddha #1: Laughing Buddha with a Bag or Sack
The bag signifies that the Laughing Buddha gathers a person's sorrows and miseries and puts them in his sack and gives abundance and positivity. The sack also represents wealth and good fortune.
Laughing Buddha #2: Laughing Buddha Holding Pearls
Pearls symbolize meditation. Pearls are believed to bring wealth and prosperity. According to other interpretations, they could represent pearls of wisdom or a fruit like peach or apricot, symbolizing health.
Types of Laughing Buddha #3: Laughing Buddha Seated on Gold
This statue of a laughing Buddha seated on gold and holding a smaller gold nugget represents bestowing luck. This statue protects from negativity and radiates good vibes.
Types of Laughing Buddha #4: Laughing Buddha with a Fan and a Wu Lou
A figurine of a laughing Buddha with a fan in one hand and a wu lou (gourd bottle) in the other hand bestows blessings and good health. The fan wards off misfortune while the gourd protects from ill health.
Types of Laughing Buddha #5: Laughing Buddha with a Hat
This statue symbolizes a long, happy, healthy, and relaxed life. Keep this figurine to rid yourself of troubles and be filled with happiness and a stress-free life.
6. Laughing Buddha Holding Gold with Vertical Hands
This pose symbolizes wealth and luck. It's believed that this posture attracts blessings from heaven, prosperity, and luck for endeavors.
7. Laughing Buddha with a Bowl
The laughing Buddha with a bowl represents a monk, who spends his life solely for the happiness of people and in search of enlightenment. The bowl symbolizes luck, positive energy, and higher wisdom.
8. Laughing Buddha Surrounded by Children
This laughing Buddha statue represents family well-being. This figurine is also kept in the house to dispel issues related to children. It enhances fertility and overall health.
9. Laughing Buddha Seated on a Dragon Turtle
This statue is a symbol of a successful career and achievement. It indicates that one will never encounter obstacles in education. The dragon represents strength and the turtle represents stability.
10. Laughing Buddha in Meditation
For a calm and peaceful life, opt for a laughing Buddha statue in a meditative state. This will help you manage the stress of your life with ease and enjoy serenity.
11. Laughing Buddha Seated on an Elephant
This laughing Buddha statue on an elephant symbolizes luck and fortune. An elephant's trunk pointed upward indicates happiness, prosperity, success, and wisdom. Place it in the living room, facing the main door, to attract positive energy.
12. Laughing Buddha with Fish (Koi Carp)
This statue symbolizes the wealth and abundance of Buddha. Keeping this statue at home brings prosperity, success, and financial gains, as fish in Feng Shui represent abundance.
13. Laughing Buddha on a Frog
The laughing Buddha statue with a silver frog is a powerful symbol associated with wealth and prosperity. The silver frog serves as a means of transportation for Buddha, representing abundance and good fortune. As shown in the image above, a joyful character rides the silver frog, embarking on a journey to success and happiness.
Placing this laughing Buddha statue in your home, especially in the wealth corner or in your office, can attract wealth, luck, positivity, and blessings into your career. Embrace the symbolism of this statue to invite prosperity and abundance into your life.
How to Choose the Laughing Buddha for Home?
The ideal laughing Buddha for you depends on the reason you want to procure it for. Here are some elements that will help you choose the best laughing Buddha for your home.
- To boost positivity and dispel misery: Laughing Buddha with a sack or pouch.
- For good luck: Laughing Buddha seated on a large gold nugget and giving away a smaller gold nugget.
- For wisdom and wealth: Laughing Buddha with pearls and closed eyes.
- For wealth and blessings: Laughing Buddha with a fan and a gourd bottle.
- For happiness and health: Laughing Buddha with a hat.
- To attract prosperity and wealth: Laughing Buddha standing with a ingot above the head.
- To dispel children-related issues: Laughing Buddha surrounded by children.
- For seeking enlightenment: Laughing Buddha with a bowl.
Laughing Buddha Statue: Material
Laughing Buddha statues for the home are made from various materials, each carrying its own symbolic significance related to elements of nature. Here's what each material represents:
Resin: Laughing Buddha statues made of resin are appreciated for their durability and ability to be precisely molded, capturing the delicate details of the Buddha. Resin is a versatile material that can be tinted to resemble other materials like bronze, copper, or stone. Additionally, a laughing Buddha statue made of resin is often more affordable, making it accessible to everyone. On an energetic level, resin is neutral, meaning it can be programmed with any intention or desire. To optimize energies, it's recommended to consecrate and regularly cleanse your resin statue.
Metal: Laughing Buddha statues made of metals such as gold, silver, copper, brass, or tin are ideal for attracting better career prospects and stimulating creativity. They are also beneficial for those looking to start a new family or embark on a journey.
Stone: Jade is the most popular stone used in making laughing Buddha statues. Jade is associated with luck and good fortune, making a laughing Buddha statue in jade ideal for improving relationships and promoting good health. It fosters family harmony, knowledge, and personal development.
Wood: A laughing Buddha statue made of wood helps attract both health and wealth. Placed in the family sector of your home, it promotes harmonious relationships and the overall well-being of your loved ones. Additionally, placing a wooden Buddha statue in your office can attract favorable reputation and fame.
Tip: Choose the material that aligns with your intentions and desired outcomes to enhance positive energy and blessings in your home or office.
Laughing Buddha Statue for the Home: Colors
Laughing Buddha statues are available in many different colors. To help you choose the one that best suits your interior, here's what each color signifies:
- Gold: Although the most popular color of the laughing Buddha is golden yellow, which symbolizes prosperity and abundance.
- Black: A black laughing Buddha is associated with the water element in Chinese culture. It invites fluidity, luck, and wisdom.
- Green / Jade: A laughing Buddha in green jade represents the wood element and is associated with growth, hope, and harmony.
- Red: A red laughing Buddha statue is linked to fire, which can aid in passion, inspiration, and also good fortune. This color is synonymous with festivity and luck.
- White: A white laughing Buddha or in silver ceramic signifies wealth, peace, and happiness.
Laughing Buddha Statue: Posture
- The seated posture of the laughing Buddha is considered one of love and symbolizes stability of thoughts and tranquility.
- The standing Buddha symbolizes treasure and happiness.
Laughing Buddha Statue: Meaning of Different Hand Positions
There are many types of laughing Buddha statues with varied postures. Here's what the hand positions of the laughing Buddha signify.
- Laughing Buddha with both hands raised signifies success in financial matters or personal obstacles. This posture also brings blessings from heaven.
- The hand lowered, palm facing outward, is the gesture that bestows joy and blessings. The hand is extended downward, and the wrist is bent at a right angle with the forearm, suggesting charity and magnanimity.
- The hand placed on the head symbolizes joy, happiness, and good fortune.
- The hand raised, palm facing outward, and fingers pointing upward, is the symbol of assurance and positivity.
- The laughing Buddha with both hands, palms up, the right hand placed on the top of the left head, signifies meditation, balance of thought, and tranquility of mind.
- The left hand placed on the knees, palm facing upward, and the right hand folded over the right knee, fingers lightly touching the ground, symbolize spiritual knowledge and wisdom.
Why Does the Laughing Buddha Bring Luck?
It is believed that when installing a laughing Buddha statue at home, it is essential to make it happy. According to legends, this can be done by rubbing its belly. It is believed that rubbing the belly of a laughing Buddha statue brings wealth, luck, and prosperity.
The Vastu Laughing Buddha: Tips for the Direction of the Laughing Buddha at Home
When adorning your living space with a laughing Buddha figurine, the appropriate direction for its placement should be kept in mind to reap the benefits and invite good fortune.
According to Vastu, when placing a Buddha statue for the home, ensure that the place is clean and clutter-free.
According to Feng Shui, placing statues in the home helps overcome imbalances in life, brings harmony, and leads to a peaceful and prosperous life. Here, we look at the correct placement of the laughing Buddha at home.
The laughing Buddha should be placed in the east, in the direction of the rising sun. It is said to be the place that brings good fortune to the family. To bring harmony and happiness to the family, the idol should be placed in this direction.
If the statue is placed in the southeast direction, the family's wealth will increase.
The laughing Buddha represents balance and inner peace. By placing the statue of a Buddha in the northeast direction, one can enhance the energy of that corner and focus on acquiring wisdom.
The energy entering the house through the main door is welcomed by the laughing Buddha, it is activated, and unwanted energy is cleansed. So, place the laughing Buddha on a corner table, diagonally across from the main door or facing it. Ensure that the statue is oriented towards the inside of the room and not towards the outside.
In Feng Shui belief, each individual has a specific direction that is their "Sheng Chi," their direction. Placing a laughing Buddha in this direction at home will enhance wealth and overall well-being.
Chinese people consider it an auspicious symbol because its smiling face and the wealth sack it always carries are believed to bring happiness and prosperity. Therefore, it is advisable to place it so that the laughing Buddha faces the chi entry and not away from it.
As the laughing Buddha statue for the home is considered a protector of children, place a small statue in the children's room, facing the door, for protection and luck.
Laughing Buddha on Work and Study Desk
Placing a laughing Buddha on the desk in the office aids in career prospects and avoiding clashes, disagreements, and arguments with coworkers. For students, it will be helpful to keep the laughing Buddha on their study table for better concentration and excellence in their studies.
Laughing Buddha Statue for Home: What to Avoid
- Never place the statue in the kitchen, bathroom, or toilets.
- The statue should never be placed directly on the floor. The statue should be placed at least at eye level.
- Ensure that the space around the statue is always clean and clear.
- Avoid placing the statue near electrical outlets, motors, or above any electronic device, as it could disrupt or block the aura of positive energy.
- Never place the laughing Buddha above a shoe rack.
Your Questions on the Laughing Buddha
In which direction should a laughing Buddha statue be placed in a house?
The laughing Buddha can be placed in the east, southeast, or northeast direction of the house, or facing the main entrance, facing inside the house.
Is the laughing Buddha good or bad?
The laughing Buddha is considered a lucky charm that brings wealth, prosperity, and health.
Is the laughing Buddha a god?
The laughing Buddha figurine is believed to be a representation of Budai, a Chinese monk from the 10th century.
Can I keep a laughing Buddha statue in the garden?
A laughing Buddha can be placed in the garden, but ensure not to place it directly on the ground. The statue should be placed on a platform or stool and should face east.
Is the laughing Buddha the same as Gautam Buddha?
The laughing Buddha is not the same as Gautam Buddha. The laughing Buddha is a Chinese monk who was the patron saint of children, while Siddharth Gautama is the prince of Kapilavastu and the founder of Buddhism, known as Buddha, the Enlightened One.
How many laughing Buddha statues can I keep at home?
There is no specific number in Feng Shui regarding keeping laughing Buddha statues at home. Each statue suggests something that can harmonize different aspects of your life. However, it is advisable not to keep too many statues and to place them in the right direction to attract positive energy.
Can I keep a laughing Buddha in the car?
A laughing Buddha can be hung or displayed on the front dashboard of the car. It signifies letting go of worries and bringing joy. It can also serve as a form of protection for a safe journey.
What does the Baby Laughing Buddha statue signify?
A small laughing Buddha statue or monk figurine, the adorable little Buddha, is trendy in interior decoration. These cute statues come in different colors and in different poses: reading, meditating, dancing, not speaking evil, not hearing evil gestures, etc.
Which pose represents the "Happy Buddha"?
The standing Buddha represents the "Happy Buddha," and it is said to bring wealth and happiness into your home. This pose is also called Jolly Hotei, as he laughs while raising his hands above his head in a celebratory gesture.
What are the different names of the Laughing Buddha?
The Laughing Buddha has become a popular name for referring to Budai, a Chinese Zen Buddhist monk. It is also known as Fat, chubby and Happy Buddha or Budai (Chinese) or Hotai (Japanese). It is also called Pu-Tai (Budai), which means "hemp sack" that he always carried with him, filled with treats like candies for children.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask them in the comments section!
