People who are unfamiliar with Buddhism often picture the Buddha as a fat, jolly looking fellow who is known as the Laughing Buddha. But rather than being Gautama Buddha, the Buddha associated with the origins of Buddhism, the Laughing Buddha is based on Pu-Tai, a Chinese Zen Buddhist monk who supposedly lived in China during the Later Liang Dynasty over a thousand years ago. Although not all historians agree that Pu-tai was an actual person the legend of this kind-hearted monk is deeply engrained in Chinese folklore. According to the legend just before his death, Pu-Tai was revealed to be an incarnation of Maitreya, a Buddha who is reborn immeasurable times and who manifests himself at times among people.
Known in China as the "Loving One" or "Friendly One" Pu-tai's image is often depicted in the form of statues and paintings and is displayed in many public places as a symbol of abundance, happiness and contentment. Also known as Budai, Pu-tai is often shown as carrying a cloth which never empties and is said to hold precious items, rice plants, sweets, food and wealth. Because of this Pu-tai is not only seen as a symbol of abundance but a patron to the poor, the weak and the innocent.
In Zen Buddhism, Pu-tai is mentioned in a short kōan which is a story or question that contains aspects of Zen Buddhist teachings and focuses upon the use of intuition rather than analytical reasoning.
In Japanese folklore he is recognized as one of the Seven Lucky Gods and is known by the name of Hotei. He is also accepted in Chinese Taoist beliefs as a symbol of abundance and wisdom. At times Pu-tai is shown as carrying a begging bowl and this is connected with his Buddhist nature, one in which he is taking away suffering and sadness from the world.
