What can someone tell me about these bodhisattva statues?

[Chikyou]

I've been reunited with two more if my mother's collection of laughing Buddhas. I know that this isn't Shakyamuni, but I don't know much about them.

The one on the left is holding a snake in one hand and a sphere(?) in the other.

The one on the right is seated on a lotus with children climbing all over him. (My mother warned me not to touch this one's belly or I'd get pregnant LOL).

They are both made from resin, the one with the lotus and children is extremely heavy! I swear he must have lead inside!

Gassho,
SatLah
Chikyō


20240331_141829.jpg

[Kotei]

Hello Chikyo,

I am quite sure that the right one is Hotei, some believe he is Maitreya, the future Buddha. Probably the left one, too?

https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/showthread.php?17995-Budai-Hotei-Question

Gassho,
Kotei sat/lah today.

[Chikyou]

Hello Chikyo,

I am quite sure that the right one is Hotei, some believe he is Maitreya, the future Buddha. Probably the left one, too?

https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/showthread.php?17995-Budai-Hotei-Question

Gassho,
Kotei sat/lah today.

I think so too, my mom was a big fan of Hotei!

Gassho,
SatLah
Chikyō

[Junsho]

Hotei, also known as Budai in Chinese culture, is not a historical Buddha like Siddhartha Gautama. He is a legendary figure associated with the future Buddha Maitreya. Revered in East Asian folk religion and Buddhism, Hotei/Budai symbolizes happiness, contentment, and abundance. Often referred to as the "Laughing Buddha" or the "Fat Buddha," he is typically depicted as a cheerful, bald man with a large belly, clad in robes, and carrying a cloth sack.

The presence or absence of babies in Hotei's imagery doesn't alter his fundamental symbolism; rather, it introduces nuances such as fertility or an emphasis on spreading happiness. In Japanese culture, Hotei serves as a powerful symbol of joy and prosperity. Budai, with babies, signifies good luck, happiness, and abundance, with each child representing a different blessing. This depiction is commonly found in various settings, including shops, residences, and commercial establishments, believed to attract prosperity.

Conversely, Budai without babies is often portrayed holding a cloth sack, symbolizing his generosity and capacity to grant wishes and blessings. While still embodying happiness and good fortune, this representation lacks the specific emphasis on fertility and prosperity conveyed by the presence of babies. It is also regarded as a symbol of spiritual contentment and material detachment.

[Jundo]

Hello Chikyo,

I am quite sure that the right one is Hotei, some believe he is Maitreya, the future Buddha. Probably the left one, too?

https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/showthread.php?17995-Budai-Hotei-Question

Gassho,
Kotei sat/lah today.

Hi,

Yes, Antonio and Kotei are correct, both are definitely Kotei's brother Hotei. Hotei is also often thought of as Maitreya, the future Buddha, as the story at the link describes.

Interesting fact, soon after those statues were made, Buddha began using Ozempic, and ended up like this ...

Ha ha, I kid. That's a statue of the gaunt Gautama in his "pre-Buddha" days when he tried to starve himself in body denying ascetic practices.

https://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/buddhism/lifebuddha/14lbud.htm

It did not work out, however, and the weight came back a little ... making Buddha a kind of binge dieter. He did keep most of the weight off through a sensible eating plan of only eating moderately, what can fit in one bowl, avoiding most meat (sorry, not a Paleo Diet guy) and never eating beyond lunch. Also, not a big sweets or alcohol drinker.

He was also a big walker too, avoiding driving and elevators.

Gassho, J

stlah

[Chikyou]

Hotei with kids has taken up residence in my living room.

What is the symbolism of the cobra and ball held by the other?

Gassho,
SatLah
Chikyō

[Jundo]

Hotei with kids has taken up residence in my living room.

What is the symbolism of the cobra and ball held by the other?

Gassho,
SatLah
Chikyō

Ah. That is not a cobra and ball.

The stick is a scepter known as a Kotsu or Nyoi or Ruyi, which actually began life long ago as a back scratcher for royalty!!, then just became a symbol for royalty. The more typical Japanese name, Kotsu, 骨, literally means backbone, which it resembles in shape. Here is more than you ever want to know here.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruyi_(scepter)

The other is a little hard to see. It could be a "wish fulfilling jewel" (https://www.onmarkproductions.com/ht...ulfillingJewel), but I believe that it is the water bottle usually associated with Maitreya (Miroku in Japanese: https://www.onmarkproductions.com/ht....html#WaterJar).

Gassho, J

stlah

[Chikyou]

Ah. That is not a cobra and ball.

The stick is a scepter known as a Kotsu or Nyoi or Ruyi, which actually began life long ago as a back scratcher for royalty!!, then just became a symbol for royalty. The more typical Japanese name, Kotsu, 骨, literally means backbone, which it resembles in shape. Here is more than you ever want to know here.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruyi_(scepter)

The other is a little hard to see. It could be a "wish fulfilling jewel" (https://www.onmarkproductions.com/ht...ulfillingJewel), but I believe that it is the water bottle usually associated with Maitreya (Miroku in Japanese: https://www.onmarkproductions.com/ht....html#WaterJar).

Gassho, J

stlah

Oh! That makes sense. My mom had said it was a snake. It is vaguely cobra shaped. Thanks!

Gassho,
SatLah
Chikyō

[Jundo]

My favorite Hotei is the Elvis-treya, that I encountered when taking my son to college via Vegas a couple of years ago.

Both Elvis and Maitreya live!

Gassho, J

stlah

[Chikyou]

My favorite Hotei is the Elvis-treya, that I encountered when taking my son to college via Vegas a couple of years ago.

Both Elvis and Maitreya live!

Gassho, J

stlah

Gassho,
SatLah
Chikyō

[Kokuu]

My favorite Hotei is the Elvis-treya, that I encountered when taking my son to college via Vegas a couple of years ago.

You can also get statues of Spock 'Live Long and Prosper' Buddha!

https://taylorsprintshop.com/cdn/shop/files/PXL_20230601_010056552_3.jpg

Where Hotei certainly has associations with Buddhism, it seems that those statues are now most associated with Feng Shui and bringing luck. They still definitely have a good vibe about them though.

Gassho
Kokuu
-sattoday/lah-

[Junsho]

Thanks for the teaching!

Ps. Elvis-treya is cool .

[Shinshi]

You can also get statues of Spock 'Live Long and Prosper' Buddha!

https://taylorsprintshop.com/cdn/shop/files/PXL_20230601_010056552_3.jpg

Where Hotei certainly has associations with Buddhism, it seems that those statues are now most associated with Feng Shui and bringing luck. They still definitely have a good vibe about them though.

Gassho
Kokuu
-sattoday/lah-

And Homer Simpson



Gassho, Shinshi

SaT-LaH

[Tai Do]

I also like Hotei. Although in my case I have a Hotei in the kitchen to remind me that my buddha-nature can easily become a buddha-belly if I don't be mindful of my eating and cooking habits. 🤣
Gassho
Tai Do
Satlah