Who was Budai?
Q: Who was Budai?
A: Budai was a Buddhist monk in China.
Q: What is Budai also known as in Japanese?
A: Budai is also known as Hotei in Japanese.
Q: Who do many Chinese Buddhists believe Budai was a reincarnation of?
A: Many Chinese Buddhists believe that Budai was a reincarnation of Maitreya, the person who will become the next Buddha after Gautama Buddha.
Q: In what multiple religions has Budai been incorporated into?
A: Budai has been incorporated into Buddhist, Taoist and Shinto.
Q: Where can one find images of Budai?
A: Images of Budai can be found in many temples, restaurants, and businesses.
Q: What has Budai become a god of in some forms of Taoism and Buddhism?
A: Budai has become a god of happiness and plenty in some forms of Taoism and Buddhism.
Q: Why is Budai also known as the "Laughing Buddha" in Chinese?
A: Budai is almost always shown smiling or laughing, hence his nickname in Chinese, the "Laughing Buddha" (Chinese:笑佛).
