Buddha's Image

I was thinking about the previous things I had known about Buddhism and Buddha and I was thinking about how in “Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter, and Spring” the boy took the statue out of the temple when he left. This led me to start thinking about Buddha and why his statues looked the way they did. What I think of as the most traditional Buddha statues look like this (fat and happy):

I did some research and it said that he was portrayed as fat because it was a symbol of happiness in the east. In the Middle East being fat would show money and the enjoyment of life (too much food). In actuality Buddha focused on moderation in all aspects of his life including fasting, walking, and other things. One article I read said that the Laughing Fat Buddha, Hotei or Pu-Tai, is not the real Buddha but is the one that will replace the Old Buddha. It is known as Maitreya Buddha and it is said to have come when people needed to be reminded of the Dharma.  “The Maitreya Buddha represents wealth, health, love, happiness or joy, success, peace, and harmony. In short, he represents what each person aspires for” (Sana Ako). I think it is interesting that there is a “popular” image of Buddha that may change according to what people want. I understand the idea of people striving for happiness, health, and love. Those are things that everyone wants in life.

http://blog.sivanaspirit.com/10-facts-about-buddha/

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-good-life/201207/when-did-the-buddha-become-fat

http://sanaakosirickylee.wordpress.com/2012/02/16/the-happy-fat-buddha-a-representation-of-maitreya-buddhas-blessings/

http://www.religionfacts.com/buddhism/deities/laughing_buddha.htm