Budai is often depicted as having the appearance of a fat bald man wearing a robe and wearing or otherwise carrying prayer beads. He carries his few possessions in a cloth sack, being poor but content. His figure appears throughtout Chinese culture as a representation on contentment. His image graces many temples, restaurants, amulets, and businesses. Amonst Westerners new to Buddhism, Budai is often confused with the historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama. However, the two are visually very distinct. Gautama is commonly tall and slender while Budai is short and overweight. Although primarily a folkloric figure, Budai has been incorporated into a number of Buddhist and Taoist folklore traditions. He was considered a man of good and loving character. Furthermore, rumor has it that if you rub his belly you will be graced with good luck!
Have you ever rubbed Budai's belly? Did it bring you good luck?
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