Laughing Buddha is one of the most recognized statues placed in various locations such as homes, businesses, or parks, symbolizing happiness, positivity, and good fortune. The statue of the laughing Buddha holds both spiritual and aesthetic significance. In the Feng Shui tradition and Vastu principles, the statue is believed to attract wealth, prosperity, and positivity.
There are various types and positions of laughing Buddha statues made of various materials which have unique importance. While these statues hold significant benefits, it is very important to place them in the appropriate location to enhance their benefits.
In this blog, we will provide detailed guidelines regarding various types of laughing Buddha statues regarding colors, postures, and materials describing the eight lucky locations to place at home. The importance and the right placement of these statues as per Vastu principles, areas to avoid, and questions that individual keeps are explained as well. Whether you are seeking to enhance spiritual significance or you are planning to uplift the aesthetic appearance of your home, this information will help you to enhance the positivity of the laughing Buddha.
History of Laughing Buddha
Laughing Buddha, also known as “Budai” in Chinese or “Hotei” in Japanese, is a Chinese Zen monk from the 10th century during the Liang Dynasty. Budai is also identified as the Maitreya Buddha, a bodhisattva or future Buddha in Chan Buddhism, a Chinese school of Mahāyāna Buddhism.
Budai in Chinese means “clothes sacks”, which refers to the sack of clothes the laughing Buddha carries while wandering in places. Unlike other bodhisattva, Budai is depicted distinctly in a plumpy figure with a laughing or smiling face depicting his jolly and humorous personality.
Laughing Buddha evolved from being a historical monk to one of the beloved figures that symbolizes happiness, good fortune, and abundance over centuries. Although he is not considered a deity in orthodox Buddhism, he is adorned in temples and monasteries all over the world.
Real Name of Laughing Buddha
While laughing Buddha is also known as Budai, Hotei, or fat Buddha, it is believed that his real name is “Qieci” or “Qici”. Although Qieci is believed to be his original name, there is no historical evidence or record that confirms his real name. In the present day, he is famously recognized and regarded as Budai or Laughing Buddha.
The devotion of Budai or Qieci is spread all over the world. He is also considered one of the prominent seven lucky gods in Japanese culture. In Zen Buddhism, he is regarded as an eccentric saint of popular businesses and a guardian of children.
With a smiling and happy face and joyful representation, the statue of the laughing Buddha is adorned in many places. Despite having various names, his statue depicts happiness, good fortune, and abundance.
Importance of Placing Laughing Buddha Statue At Home
Placing a laughing Buddha statue at home is regarded as auspicious in various cultures and traditions. In Chinese tradition, Budai symbolizes good fortune, prosperity, and happiness and is believed to remove negative energy in a home environment.
In present days, the statue of the laughing Buddha is placed in different locations of homes and offices with the belief of bringing peace, prosperity, and good fortune. The following are the reasons making the placement of the laughing Buddha statue important in the home:
- Happiness and prosperity: Placing the statue of Laughing Buddha is believed to promote happiness and prosperity. The joyful and laughing expression of the Budai promotes calmness and a sense of happiness, enhancing mental and emotional well-being.
- Good fortune and health: The statue of the laughing Buddha is believed to bring good fortune and health. While being placed at home, the Budai’s cheerful position is believed to attract wealth and wellness, ensuring both physical and mental well-being.
- Promotes positivity: The joyful and carefree expression of Budai helps in the promotion of positivity in the home. Looking at his statue is believed to boost a positive attitude and enable an individual to focus on the bright side of the situation. The placement of a laughing Buddha statue at home brings happiness and calmness, giving the ability to face difficulties.
- Removes negativity: The joyful representation of Budai’s face assists in eliminating negativity and absorbing peace and positive vibes. Placing the Budai statue in an appropriate location at home helps to get relief from stress and problems.
- Encourages unity: Laughing Buddha statue helps in promoting unity and harmony as he is a symbol of harmony and unity. Since he represents family unity, placing his statue at home helps to increase love, respect, support, and connection between the family members.
The statue of the laughing Buddha holds spiritual importance since it helps to promote positivity, happiness and prosperity, unity, good health, and fortune. His symbolic representation serves as a strong motivation to promote joy, happiness, and positivity in life.
Types of Laughing Buddha Statue & Its Significance
There are various types, sizes, and representations of laughing Buddha in the statue. Various types and representations of the statues give different meanings and have significant importance. Some of the common types of laughing Buddha statues and their significance are:
- Laughing Buddha holding a sack: The Budai statue holding a sack attracts good fortune and prosperity.
- With children: The statue with five children promotes understanding, brings fertility and good luck, and promotes respect between the family members.
- Holding gold Inglot: Budai’s statue holding a gold Inglot with a hand raised above represents the attraction of luck and prosperity.
- With frog: The statue of Budai with frog symbolizes wealth, happiness, and prosperity.
- Holding beads: Budai’s statue holding beads symbolizes meditation that brings calmness and peace.
- With fan: The statue holding a paper fan is believed to fulfill the wish, symbolizing the power to remove obstacles for positivity in life.
- Holding a bowl: Budai’s statue of holding a bowl symbolizes dedication and selflessness, giving blessings for prosperity.
Laughing Buddha Statue For Home: Colour & Significance
Along with various types and positions, the statue of the laughing Buddha comes in various colors. Each colour has a significant role, along with various spiritual beliefs and symbols. The placement of Budai’s statues in the right color, according to the Vastu principles, enhances material success and spiritual well-being.
As per your needs and preferences, you can place Budai statues of various colours in the appropriate location of your home. Some of the common colours of Budai and its significance are:
- Golden statue: The Budai’s statue of golden colour is believed to attract wealth, prosperity, and good fortune and promote spiritual growth.
- Green statue: The green statue represents nature and life which helps in healing, promoting well-being, and bringing balance in life. Also, the green statue of Budai symbolizes growth and harmony, which helps in bringing prosperity.
- Black statue: The black statue of the laughing Buddha has significant spiritual beliefs of protection from negative energy and bad fortune. In Vastu, the black Budai statue is often used to create a balanced and peaceful atmosphere.
- Red statue: Budai’s statue in red colour represents energy, passion, and liveliness. Placing a red laughing Buddha statue in the home is believed to bring happiness, good luck, and success in various aspects of life.
- White statue: The white colour represents peace, calmness, and purity. White Budai statue holds deep significance in promoting peace, calmness, and mental well-being.
Laughing Buddha You Can Find At Nirvana Mala
Nirvana Mala offers a wide variety and types of laughing Buddha statues that enhance your spirituality and positivity. These statues are handmade and crafted giving great attention to detail while offering both spiritual significance and decorational value. Below is the description of the laughing Buddha statue from Nirvana Mala:
1. Resin Statue Of Family Laughing Buddha
The resin statue of the family laughing Buddha is made up of resin representing harmony and bonding between the family members. Along with high aesthetic appeal, this statue reminds us to make balance in life fostering happiness, balance, and harmony. This statue can be placed in a home or workplace as it gives positive energy reminding the importance of joy and a sense of well-being.
2. Antique Brown Resin Statue Of Family Laughing Buddha
The Antique Brown Resin Statue of the Family Laughing Buddha statue possesses a warm and rustic brown colour appearance of the joyful laughing Buddha with his family. Placing this statue at home or the workplace is believed to help in the reduction of stress, attract good luck, and promote happiness and well-being. Furthermore, the statue of Budai with family is also believed to bring peace, cooperation, and togetherness between the family members.
3. Green Resin Statue Of Family Laughing Buddha
The green resin statue of the family laughing Buddha is one of the most common handmade statues of Budai. Having both spiritual significance and aesthetic appeal, the green statue of Budai symbolizes personal growth and positive energy. Whether in the home or workplace, this statue has become a great choice for promoting wellness, prosperity, and harmony within the family.
4. Blue Resin Statue Of Family Laughing Buddha
The blue resin statue of the family laughing Buddha is a handmade resin statue representing happiness, positivity, and prosperity. The blue depiction of the statue symbolizes peacefulness and communication, which makes this statue best for fostering collaboration and healthy relations between the family members.
Right Placement of Laughing Buddha Statue For Home
Placing a Laughing Buddha statue at home is considered auspicious and enhances spiritual and aesthetic importance. Keeping the statue of Budai is believed to bring happiness, luck, good fortune, prosperity, and overall happiness to the home. Also, it is very important to consider the right location while placing the statue in the home to enhance its benefits.
Here are some of the ideal locations to place a statue of Budai at home:
1. Laughing Buddha statue: Entryway
Placing the Budai statue in the entrance or entryway of the home is believed to attract the positive energy of individuals entering the house. It also signifies an intention of a warm welcome to happiness, good luck, good fortune, and prosperity in the home and life of family members. Always place the statue on a clean and elevated surface to enhance its spiritual value and to give aesthetic appeal.
2. Laughing Buddha statue: Living Room
The living room is one of the common and ideal locations to place the laughing Buddha statue at home. Placing the statue not only enhances the spiritual and religious value but also increases the aesthetic look of the living room. Placing the statue in the living room spreads joy, laughter, and harmony while eliminating negative energies.
3. Laughing Buddha statue: Garden
Placing Budai’s statue in the garden is believed to promote a calm and joyful atmosphere in the house. Placing the statue in a garden area also signifies the connection with the natural world and balances natural elements promoting peace and happiness. You can place a laughing Budha statue made up of stone or metal along with decoration by placing plants and flowers to enhance the aesthetic appearance.
4. Laughing Buddha statue: Wealth Corner
The Feng Shui principle identifies the south-east corner of the house as a wealth corner. As the laughing Buddha symbolizes wealth and prosperity, placing his statue on the southeastern part of your home is believed to attract wealth and financial benefits. You can place the statue of Budai with a frog, holding a sack or wealth bag, or holding a gold ingot for maximum benefits.
5. Laughing Buddha statue: Children’s Room
The laughing Buddha is considered a protector and charmer of children, so his statue is placed in the children’s room. You can place the statue of Budai with children to spread positivity, reduce stress, create a happy mood, and increase the focus of children in various activities.
6. Laughing Buddha statue: Meditation Area
The meditation area or hall is also one of the most ideal locations for placing the statue of the laughing Buddha at home. Placing the statue in the meditation room helps to enhance mindfulness, promote peace, and an environment of knowledge. You can place the meditating Budai holding beads in the meditation area to boost its effects.
7. Laughing Buddha statue: Desk or Home Office
Placing the statue of a laughing Buddha at the desk or home office is believed to enhance peace, creativity, focus, and professional growth. It is believed that Buai’s statute reduces work-related stress and negativity and eliminates troubles in achieving professional goals.
8. Laughing Buddha statue: East Direction
East direction is associated with sunrise and is considered as one of the best locations to place the Laughing Buddha to face. The east direction is also connected with health and family harmony according to the Feng Shui traditions. Placing the statue facing the east direction in places of the home will promote prosperity, progress, growth, harmony and bonding among the family members.
Laughing Buddha for Home – Significance of Directions as Per Vastu
The placement of the laughing Buddha statue enhances the spiritual and aesthetic look, considering the Vastu principles while placing the statue at home to maximize its benefits. The significance of various directions for placing the laughing Buddha statue as per Vastu principles is explained below:
- North-East Direction: According to the Vastu principle, the north-east direction is termed “Ishan Kon” and is regarded as highly auspicious in both spiritual and religious beliefs. Placing the statue of Budai in the north-east direction brings positive vibrations and harmony fostering inner peace and positivity in the home.
- East Direction: East direction is considered the symbol of sunrise, which relates to the new beginning and opportunities, according to Vastu. Placing the Budai statue in the east direction is believed to bring new opportunities, good fortune, improved relations and a healthy life.
- South-East Direction: As per the Vastu principle, the south-east direction is termed “Agneya” which attracts financial prosperity and stability. Placing the statue of Budai holding gold ingots, carrying a sack or bag, and coins in the south-east direction is believed to attract wealth and eliminate financial difficulties at home.
- North Direction: Vastu principles define the north direction for attracting “kuber”, the god of wealth. Placing the Budai statue facing a north direction is believed to attract wealth and prosperity. Additionally, placing the statue in the north direction is also believed to enhance career growth, success, and professional opportunities.
Besides the direction, the Vastu principles also highlight the importance of placing the laughing Buddha statue above eye level in a clean and respected place.
Things To Avoid While Placing The Laughing Buddha
While it is important to place the laughing Buddha statue in the right place at home and align the Vastu principles, it is also important to consider avoiding certain criteria while placing it at home. Here are things to avoid while placing the statue of the laughing Buddha at home:
- Avoid placing it directly on the floor: It is very important to consider placing the statue above the ground or floor level while placing it in an elevated place above eye level.
- Environment consideration: While placing the Budai statue at home, avoid placing the statue in untidy places where waste and dirt exist. Always place the statue in the clean, tidy, and respected location of the home.
- Avoid placing in bathrooms: Always avoid placing the statue in or near the bathroom and toilets, as these places are associated with waste and impurity. Instead place in the worship room, meditating room, garden, and living room for effectiveness.
- Avoid dark places: You must also avoid placing the Budai statue in the bathroom or near its premises. It is always a better option to place the statue in a well-lit, open, and calm area to increase positivity.
Conclusion
Laughing Buddha is also known as “Budai” who evolved from being a historical monk and symbolizes happiness, good fortune, and abundance over centuries. While there is no defined historical evidence or record that confirms his real name, “Qieci” or “Qici” is believed to be his original name. Placing the statue of a laughing Buddha at home is auspicious as it symbolizes good fortune, prosperity, and happiness while eliminating negative energy.
Budai statues come in various positions, such as the statues holding a sack, beads, bowl, Inglot, carrying a fan, and statues with children, which give different meanings and have significant importance. These statues come in various shapes and colours which can be placed according to the Vastu principles to enhance its benefits.
In this blog, we have explained the gauging Buddha statue symbol and its representation, along with the best place it can be kept for enhancing spirituality and aesthetic effects. If you are also interested in exploring elegant stone-beaded necklaces for every occasion, do visit our other blogs. Furthermore, visit Nirvana Mala to explore various spiritual and ritual accessories or handicrafts.
FAQs on Where to Place Laughing Buddha At Home
1. Which direction laughing should Buddha face?
You can place the laughing Buddha facing any appropriate direction as per the Vastu principles. However, the direction facing east or towards the main entrance is considered ideal for the home according to Feng Shui tradition. It is believed that the statue facing east or direction toward the main entrance welcomes positivity, prosperity, and positive energy in the home.
2. Which Buddha is lucky for money?
Laughing Buddha with a frog, holding a sack or wealth bag, and holding a gold ingot are considered lucky for money. These statues of Budai are believed to attract wealth and financial prosperity in the house where they are placed.
3. Where should I put my Buddha in my house?
You can put the laughing Buddha statue at any auspicious location in your house such as the entryway facing the main door, living room facing the entrance, south-east corner of your house, and also in the east direction for family harmony and health. Additionally, you can also place the statue in the garden and meditate in the house as it brings peace, mindfulness, and joy.
4. Can we place the laughing Buddha in the bedroom?
The laughing Buddha symbolizes active, vibrant, and joyous energy. So avoid placing his statue in the bedroom as it disrupts the calm and relaxing environment of the room.
5. Which statue is lucky for home?
Budai statues holding a sack or money bag, a statue with a tortoise and fish, one holding a golden inglot, and a statue with a wealthy frog are considered lucky. These statues are believed to bring happiness and good fortune and attract wealth and prosperity to the home.
6. How many laughing Buddhas to keep at home?
It will always be better to keep a single or two various shapes and positions of the laughing Buddha statue at home. Placing the statue in the proper direction, holding appropriate shapes and meaning, will be more beneficial than placing several statues randomly.
7. Why is laughing Buddha lucky?
Laughing Buddha or Budai is considered one of the luckiest statues to keep at home or workplaces. Budai symbolizes joy, happiness, and good luck, which absorbs negativity while replacing it with positivity. The statue is also believed to attract wealth and protection while reducing stress and tension.
8. Why Should You Rub the Buddha Statue’s Belly?
Rubbing the belly of the laughing Buddha is believed to attract good luck and wealth. You should rub its belly since it also symbolizes rubbing the pain and emotions away while welcoming good fortune and happiness. Furthermore, rubbing the belly of Budai also helps in releasing stress and brings refreshments.