Fat-bellied Buddha
The fat-bellied Buddha became popular throughout East Asia during the Sung Dynasty (960-1280). Originally he was the embodiment of the Indian Buddha, Maiteya, who was to bring relief from earthly sorrows in the coming centuries. He is portrayed as a happy, smiling, bald-headed, bare-chested man. He is not only the symbol of wealth and properity, but he also symbolizes that everyone living there will be happy and in a perpetual good mood. He promises to help us overcome the misfortune and misery of the real world. The Chinese name for the fat-bellied Buddha is Mi-Lo-fo. In Japan he is called Ho-tei and is supposed to be the god of peace and prosperity. Ba Gua Area:
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