You meet him everywhere: the laughing man with the bald head and the big bare belly, who is often called ''The laughing Buddha'' or fat-bellied Buddha. "The Laughing Buddha" is a nickname of the Chinese Zen master Poe-Tai Ho-shang, who lived sometime between the 6th and 10th centuries and found "the Buddha within himself". Carefree and utterly happy, he roamed China, often surrounded by children. After his death, he was revered as a Chinese folk hero and god of luck. In that last function he still roams halfway around the world, tangible image of the carefree bliss that everyone shares who has found his own true nature, the "Buddha within himself". its long earlobes indicate an aristocratic ancestry. the attributes he carries with him are different and symbolic, these include: *Mala (beaded necklace): Buddhist prayer beads. *Cloak: Protection. *Gold Nugget and Coins: Symbol of financial happiness. *A bag: Symbol of search and travel (searching for yourself) *Peach: Symbol of connection. *Children: Symbol of fertility (which can be in a relationship or looking for a job) *Rua: Symbol of abundance. * Yoke over the shoulder: Symbol of balance * Pearl: Symbol of beauty and health. *With bird: Symbol of self-knowledge. *Range: Protection. *Life Staff: Trust, Balance and Support.
*Jug (carafe): Elixir of life (longevity) It is believed to bring more luck if you occasionally rub Buddha's fat belly.
