One of the key and significant symbols for the teachings of Feng Shui is the statuette of the laughing Buddha. The second name of the Hotei symbol. The figurine is a small figurine of a cheerful and broadly smiling plump man. A single growth figurine of a fat man necessarily has an addition in the form of a burden in his hands or behind his shoulders and is often located on a stone or some other stand.

The meaning of the figurine

The figurine belongs to the images of the gods of happiness. There are only seven such figurines of the gods of fun. Since ancient times, the statuette of the laughing Buddha has occupied key positions in the homes of followers of the Feng Shui teachings. It cleanses the house of harmful and negative energy and fills the house with good qi.

The figurine can be made from:

  • tree;
  • Ivory;
  • porcelain;
  • bronze;
  • ceramics.

The Council of Feng Shui Masters states that in order to achieve happiness and longevity, it is necessary to regularly stroke Hotei on the stomach. This ritual will give the owners of the figurine good luck, abundance, wealth and health.

Figurine Placement

  1. The best place for a figurine is the living room. The Buddha should be placed facing east. The presence of the Buddha in the living room will attract a rise in the social ladder to the house.
  2. Placing Hotei at the entrance to the house will give the owners the honor and respect of their neighbors.
  3. The installation of the Buddha in the southern rooms of the dwelling bestows wealth.

In the hands of the figurine there may be coins - wealth, a staff - a symbol of health, a pumpkin - prosperity, a pearl - a symbol of wisdom, which attract abundance and prosperity to the house. The placement of the Buddha should correspond to the sector in the house, which is supposed to be responsible for the good that is in the hands of Hotei.

There are several options depicting a laughing Buddha.

Buddha in a children's environment gives the house numerous offspring. Such a figure should be for people who dream of a large family. The presence of a figure of a laughing Buddha with children in the living room of the house will give the house many heirs, and parents will have patience and health.

Peach in Asia was considered a storehouse of useful substances that can give longevity. Buddha with a peach can give its owners iron health and an endless series of happy years.

The fan will remove obstacles from the path of life. A Buddha with a fan is able to clear the way for undertakings and bring closer the successful completion of all difficult cases.

The umbrella closes the owner from the troubles that the sky sends us. A Buddha figurine with an umbrella will bring home protection from the blows of fate and unpredictable disasters. This figure gives impetus to climb the social ladder.

There are several versions of this figurine. The Buddha can sit on a turtle dragon, or he can sit in an embrace with a real dragon. Both figures are designed to attract good luck and finances in business. The figurine with a turtle also symbolizes the mastery of wisdom and longevity.

The figurine will give the owners untold wealth.

Alexander , 6 November 2014 . In the traditional Japanese religion of Shinto, among the seven gods of happiness, the laughing Buddha or Hotei has become the most beloved and popular all over the world. The word Hotei itself is Japanese in nature and means “canvas bag” in translation. A pot-bellied, cheerful fat man with a bag has probably become the most beloved image among Japanese netsuke figurines, because in this art form, where they like to achieve expressiveness with humor and imagination, Hotei (also called "") is just the right character. This sculpture is highly revered in the Chinese philosophical doctrine of Feng Shui. This god of happiness embodies well-being, fun and prosperity. It is believed that Hotei controls people's destinies and fulfills their cherished desires. The whole world knows the belief that if you stroke Hotei's pot-bellied belly three hundred times and think about your dream at the same time, then it will certainly come true by the will of a laughing deity. All this makes people treat the little fat Hotei with great sympathy. And feng shui has found a worthy use for it and uses the figurine of a deity to activate the financial zone.


Even a little delving into Eastern culture, you can see that the cultures of different countries are closely intertwined with each other, historically, there was a constant mutual borrowing of legends, images, deities. Hotei was no exception, having a Japanese name and being both a Chinese and Japanese deity, the legend of his appearance was still born in China. The legend largely explains why Hotei has such a truly "human" appearance. Indeed, many will find, for sure, a neighbor or acquaintance similar to this funny figure.

So the legend says that there lived a monk named Tsitsy in the Celestial Empire. He loved to walk around the bazaars, but predicted the weather, and from the things he had only a canvas bag and a rosary. And people noticed - where the monk does not appear, luck comes there. Health comes to some, money to others, who needs what they need. What was in poor Hotei's sack? “The whole world,” answered the monk to the curious. What lies in Hotei's bag remains a mystery and a subject of controversy, to this day among the eastern sages. Some believe that in his big bag are the untold riches of the world, gold and money, and the deity symbolizes abundance. Others believe that he is primarily the god of Happiness and in the bag are all the misfortunes of the world and the human problems that he collects there, saving people from them.

Both the first and second versions are quite attractive, in any case, people will be happy to help the deity. The legend also claims that, already an old man, sitting near the Chinese temple Hotei said sadly: “Oh, people didn’t recognize me. After all, I am the coming Buddha-Maitreya.” The name of Buddha-Maitreya is associated with the expectation of the coming ordering of the Universe and the achievement of world harmony, or, more simply, the advent of an era of prosperity. This is probably the reason why Hotei became the embodiment of happiness, wealth, contentment, carelessness.

In the culture of Buddhist countries, Buddha-Maitreya is depicted as a very handsome young man, which cannot be said about Hotei, so the assertion that their images are unambiguous caused outrage among Buddhists in India. In response to this, there is another legend in China, which says that Maitreya Buddha, so that the girls would not go crazy with his beauty, took the form of a fat and middle-aged man. Since then, he has looked like this - a laughing fat man with a big belly.


As mentioned above, Hotei is widely used in Feng Shui. You can even say that he is his favorite talisman. Moreover, the laughing Buddha is popular not only in the East. Again, the interpenetration of cultures plays a role in the dissemination and popularization of this character. It is probably difficult to find a house now where there would not be a figure of a funny fat man. Even without being carried away by the teachings of Feng Shui, Eastern culture or Eastern religions, people prefer to have a laughing Buddha. Just in case, and it looks tempting.

In addition to Hotei, there are other talismans of wealth and prosperity in Feng Shui. These are decorative fountains and. Before activating the wealth zone in the room, it is imperative to carry out a general cleaning and remove all debris. This is done so that the basis of everything that exists - the energy of qi can freely, without obstacles, move in space. Otherwise, in a person's life, difficulties may arise in almost all spheres of life, including in the field of finance.

Talisman activation

The wealth zone in the house is located in the southeast, and talismans should be placed there. It is advisable to place Hotei in the living room, his gaze must be turned to the front door of the house. It is accepted as an axiom that the larger the figure of Hotei, the greater his positive influence. There is no evidence for this, but the logic of this statement is understandable, because it is believed that the Hotei figurine itself is a source of qi energy, so necessary in the house. In Feng Shui, it is also believed that simultaneously with the radiation of positive energy, the deity absorbs negative energies and thereby protects the household from illness and death.

When placing Hotei, there are some nuances, depending on which there is an increase in influence in a certain direction. And if, as already mentioned, placement in the southeast will bring good luck in the financial sector, then the location of the figurine in will bring, in addition to wealth, good luck, authority, and health. Standing on the desktop, Hotei will protect its owner from stress, conspiracies and betrayal. There may be several figures of the laughing Buddha in the house. It is necessary to arrange the figures taking into account what is in Hotei's hands. In addition to a canvas bag, he can hold bamboo or pearls (large pearls) in his hands. Then you need to put Hotei respectively in (center) and knowledge, wisdom (northeast).

Watch a video about a lucky talisman in feng shui:

Make friends with a cheerful fat man, suddenly the laughing Buddha will endow you with his happiness, and he will take away all the problems and worries in an old canvas bag.

ALEX TAU: “I am often asked about the Laughing Buddha, this wonderful cheerful deity, a feng shui symbol that brings wonderful energy to the house, happiness and good luck. What is the correct name for him - Hotei or Smiling (Laughing) Buddha? What is the difference between its various variations? How to properly place his image in the house and office?

When we talk about success in career growth, this wonderful Deity cannot be bypassed. In China, you will hear stories everywhere about the "lover" who carries a big bag of sweets and distributes them to all the children he meets along the way. This "loving" is also known as the "Laughing Buddha". He is usually depicted in a red robe and with a fat belly. He wears a rosary around his neck, which he uses to count the mantras and prayers he says for people in the morning and evening. Many revere him as a God who brings happiness and great luck. His cheerful disposition and always good mood are manifested in an eternal smile on his round face.

The Chinese believe that as soon as the figure of the Laughing Buddha is placed in the house, the spirit of the "loving" immediately collects all the misfortunes and problems in the house. Then he puts all fears, disappointments, anger, jealousy, envy, pain and hatred into his big bag, where they are transformed into positive energy. That is why the Laughing Buddha is revered as the God of Happiness and Prosperity.

One legend describes him as a monk during the Tang Dynasty. Legend has it that this man lived in the city of Changan and was always seen with a huge bag full of sweets, which he distributed to children. Over time, it became an integral part of the city itself. He began to be revered as the Laughing Buddha, because regardless of the weather and time of day, good and bad news, a happy smile never left his face.

Many Buddhists believe that the Laughing Buddha is the incarnation of Buddha Maitreya, who will soon visit Earth. Legend has it that Maitreya was so handsome that all the young girls fell in love with him. Then, out of compassion, the Buddha decided to assume the form of a fat, elderly monk with a fat figure. He decided to keep his happy appearance in order to continue to give people happiness. Since then, Maitreya has always been associated with the Laughing Buddha. In Japan, he is called HOTEI and revered as one of the seven lucky gods of abundance.

More than a thousand years have passed, but the image of the Laughing Buddha is still perhaps the most popular image of good luck. You will meet his figurines made of ceramics, bronze and ivory both in palaces and in huts, restaurants and at exhibitions, offices and apartments of all people in the East.

In recent years, as the popularity of Feng Shui has been growing day by day, Laughing Buddha images have become even more in demand and popular, thanks in large part to wealthy businessmen in Hong Kong, China and Malaysia, who collect entire collections of variations of this Deity. Frequently visiting Lilian Too's house, I saw hundreds of such variations made from various materials.

Usually the Laughing Buddha is made of porcelain, wood or bronze, materials that perfectly activate various elements in our home. He is depicted standing or sitting on a large bag and gold bars, symbols of wealth and success. It is believed that in his bag are gold coins and medicines for all diseases and misfortunes.

Often the Buddha is surrounded by happy children (usually 5). In this case, his image attracts the wonderful luck of procreation. In this case, it is better to place the Laughing Buddha in the hall facing the front door, and not in the bedroom, as many mistakenly believe. The Laughing Buddha, like any religious image, should not be placed in the bedroom where spouses sleep together, as this is considered disrespectful.

The Buddha is a wonderful symbol of the health and longevity that he radiates. If you want to use this quality of it, then it is better to place an image made of wood or polystone in the East of the house. At the same time, it is recommended to stroke the stomach of the Laughing Buddha more often to activate the energy of good luck.

Placed next to a water structure in the Southeast or in the location of the 8 water star, the Laughing Buddha becomes a powerful activator of financial luck and wealth. Usually such a Buddha is depicted with a Dragon.

Meaning of the various images of the Laughing Buddha:

*
Buddha, who is depicted standing with his hands raised, in which he holds an ingot of gold. This is the "morning Buddha" - if you stroke his belly, you will start your day very auspiciously.

* Buddha sitting on a golden bag holding a golden ingot in his hand. This is the "Buddha of the day" who does not allow problems and troubles to break us. He puts problems in a bag and reminds that there is nothing in life that one should be afraid of.

* Buddha with Wu Lu gourd and coins. A symbol of professional success, health and financial luck. It is recommended to place in the office on the desktop.

* Buddha with a big bag behind and a fish. A symbol of abundance and quick problem solving.

* Buddha holds a rooster in his hand and looks up. A wonderful image will save you from gossip and intrigue at work.

* Buddha in red clothes. This is the best defense against the 3, the star of quarrels. (from Alex Tau's book Feng Shui and Career Luck)

The laughing Buddha comes from 10th century Chinese fairy tales. The original stories of the Laughing Buddha are based on a monk named Qi-Tzu from Zhejiang Province. Qi-Tzu was an eccentric but much-loved character who did small miracles like predicting the weather.

Buddha Maitreya

Following the tradition, before his death, Chi-Tzu pointed to a subsequent incarnation in Maitreya. Maitreya is named in the Tripitaka as the Buddha of the future age. Qi-Tzu's last words: "Maitreya is true rebirth countless times."

From time to time it appears among men. Men of age do not recognize him.

Pu-tai, protector of children

Stories about Chi-Dzu spread throughout China, and it became known as Pu-tai (Budai), which means "hemp sack". He carries a bag full of good things like candy for the kids. He is often depicted with children. Pu-tai represents happiness, generosity and wealth. He is the protector of children, as well as the poor and the weak.

Today, a statue of Pu-tai can often be found at the entrance of Chinese Buddhist temples. The tradition of rubbing Poo-tai's belly for good luck is a folk practice, however, it is not a Buddhist teaching.

Perfectly Enlightened Master

Pu-tai is also associated with the last ten images of the shepherd. These ten images represent the stages of enlightenment in Chan (Zen) Buddhism. The last panel shows an enlightened master who visits cities and markets to give ordinary people the blessings of enlightenment.

The teachings of Pu-tai are also common in Buddhism in other parts of Asia. In Japan, he became one of the Seven Lucky Gods of Shinto and is called Hotei. He has also been included in Chinese Taoism as a fertility deity.

Since ancient times, people have been using various items and amulets to attract wealth, prosperity, good luck and happiness. This is relevant to this day, especially for those who sincerely believe in the help of amulets. One of the most popular figurines that bring good luck and income is Hotei. Its characteristics, varieties and tips for use will tell you how to improve your financial situation and keep good luck in the house.

Who is it?

The happy and cheerful god of wealth Hotei is a symbol of joy, well-being and prosperity. And although the Chinese god mainly helps in attracting wealth, he does not refuse help in other areas. Career, study, family hearth, health, longevity - he can be trusted with everything that is important and valuable for a person. This is how it is considered in China. Sometimes this figurine is called "laughing Buddha".

But Hotei is usually made with a bag on his back, and the Buddha is presented without it. And yet this name stuck with the figurine. There are two versions of what Hotei's bag is for. This fat, bald, cheerful man seems to be always open for communication and fun. Wherever he appears, the feast begins. And from the bag he takes out happiness, wealth and generously bestows them on all people. At the same time, according to another version, endowing everyone around with joy, he hides all misfortunes and troubles in a bag, saving people from them.

There are several legends about who Hotei is. One legend tells of a monk who traveled constantly. And everyone noticed that wherever he appeared, fun reigned around, and everyone was happy. In the end, they began to make figurines of him from various materials and put them at home, for good luck.

According to another version, he was a very handsome man who fell in love at first sight with thousands of women. Tired of breaking hearts and hurting beautiful strangers, he reincarnated as a cheerful fat man. And so that the girls would not be so sad about the loss, he gave them wealth.

These two different legends are united by a common similarity - he is a very kind, cheerful and generous person, he gives everyone his energy, which changes everything for the better.

Types and meanings of figurines

There are several types of Hotei figurines, which are complemented by other characters or objects, and each has its own meaning. Knowing what each figurine carries in itself, you can choose exactly the one that is needed in each specific case.

  • If a woman dreams of the appearance of healthy children and wants to bring this day closer, usually in such cases she resorts to the help of a Hotei figurine surrounded by children.
  • A cheerful god on a three-legged toad with a coin in his mouth enhances the effect of attracting wealth and prosperity. Both symbols are strong on their own, and together they will attract even more luck to the house.
  • The god on the dragon turtle will be a good companion for those who often have to conclude contracts and make deals. There will be even more profitable offers and reliable partners if you keep such a figure at home. The turtle will help you make the right decisions, and the dragon will give you inner strength and teach you how to emerge victorious from any situation.
  • Hotei in the pyramid, where golden grains swarm, helps to concentrate on one main goal and achieve its realization. Waiting for the fulfillment of desire, of course, is pointless, you need to work on it. But a god with a pyramid is able to enhance the effect. The main thing is to believe in it.
  • Hotei with a pearl in his hands helps a person develop in a spiritual direction and direct his thoughts in the right direction.
  • The laughing Buddha with a rosary also instructs on the true path.
  • A god with a fan will inspire changes in life. Happiness and joy will come to the house for sure. Moreover, well-being and success await in all areas, whether it be work or a family hearth.
  • Hotei with coins or gold bars not only attracts money to the house, but also teaches their owner how to manage them wisely.
  • A figurine with a staff will give not only material well-being, but also a long happy life to its owner.
  • The most common version of Hotei with a bag will always be a welcome guest in the house. Good luck and wealth will come from the generous bag of the smiling god, and troubles will bypass the house.
  • A figurine of a cheerful fat man with a peach symbolizes health and longevity.

photos

Base material

Since ancient times, the figure of the god was carved from wood or ivory. Over time, the range of materials from which the figurine was made, bringing good luck, expanded. Currently, souvenirs are made from a wide variety of materials: from stone and metal, wood and glass, clay and porcelain. Gems are actively used for making figurines. You can meet Hotei from jade, agate or opal. It can be either a souvenir of impressive size, or a miniature figurine or pendant that you can always keep with you as a talisman. That is, you can choose a figurine for every taste, which will successfully fit into the interior of any apartment and will correspond to the general style.

In addition, the colors of the deity can be different - gold, black, white, silver, yellow, green.

Many people prefer to purchase figurines of gold or silver color, since these colors are more associated with coins, as well as precious metals, which make up wealth.

Where to put?

Before deciding on the place where the figurine will be placed, you need to remember that the apartment must be in order. Only in a harmoniously arranged space will netsuke really work. Clutter and unnecessary things litter the space, therefore, neutralize all positive energy. Even if you place a hundred figurines in the house, there will be no sense.

To better understand where to place the figurine, you can use the so-called Bagua grid. The scheme used in Feng Shui helps to figure out where which zones are located in the house. You can draw a polygon on paper. It is only necessary to determine where the north is in the house and arrange the diagram so that its northern part, which is responsible for the career, coincides with the present north. After that, you can determine the location of Hotei.

The southeast is responsible for the wealth zone. Therefore, most often the figurine of a god is sought to be placed there. But this does not mean that Hotei should only be placed there.

Hotei with a dragon is best placed just in the north: since this figurine is able to help in a career, it has a place in the career zone. Focusing on the purpose of the figurine and knowledge of what each zone is responsible for, you can easily determine the place. In the north, you can also put a god on a pyramid of coins.

The zone of wisdom, and this is the northeast, can be decorated with a god with a pearl. In this way, it will be possible to further activate the power of the figurine.

Hotei with children can be located in the east or west. These are the areas that are responsible for children and families.

When placing a figurine, you need to take into account that it should not gather dust among other trinkets, it should be placed in a conspicuous place and not many other souvenirs should be placed next to it. It is necessary to have the deity facing the entrance to the room.

If the figure is large and massive, taking up a lot of space, it can be placed on the floor. In all other cases, the figurine must be placed on a table, chest of drawers or shelf so that you can look at it once again, touch it.

The figurine not only helps to gain wealth, happiness, spiritual harmony, feel calm and happy, it protects the house from negative energy and bad people. Being a source of positive energy, provided the correct location and the physical purity of the space, the figurine will purify the spiritual structure of the environment. If you want to protect yourself from bad thoughts and the views of unwanted guests in the house, you can put the figurine right in the corridor. Everything bad will leave the house, barely being on its doorstep.


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