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48-461: The name "Budai" literally means "cloth sack", and refers to the bag he is usually depicted carrying as he wanders aimlessly. His jolly nature, humorous personality, and eccentric lifestyle distinguish him from most Buddhist masters or figures. He is almost always shown smiling or laughing, hence his nickname in Chinese, the " Laughing Buddha ". Budai is traditionally depicted as overweight and having

96-400: A feast or banquet). It is now common to see his figure in restaurants where fish is served in great quantities or in household kitchens. Daikokuten (大黒天) is the god of commerce and prosperity, and he is sometimes considered the patron of cooks, farmers and bankers, and a protector of crops . He is also considered a demon hunter − legend says that the god Daikokuten hung a sacred talisman on

144-506: A huge stomach (possibly a symbol of abundance or forgiveness) and many stories surrounding Budai involve his love of food and drink. Because of this, he is also referred to as the " Fat Buddha ", especially in the Western world . He is often mistaken by Westerners to be the original Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama . The main textual record of Budai's life resides in a collection of Chan Buddhist monks' biographies known as The Transmission of

192-410: A lack of eccentricity as "the chief danger of the time". Edith Sitwell (1887–1964) wrote that eccentricity is "often a kind of innocent pride", also saying that geniuses and aristocrats are called eccentrics because "they are entirely unafraid of and uninfluenced by the opinions and vagaries of the crowd". Eccentricity is also associated with great wealth — what would be considered signs of insanity in

240-697: A man once wanted him for a wife. To avoid a similar situation, Phra Sangkajai decided to transform himself into a fat monk. Another tale says he was so attractive that angels and men often compared him with the Buddha. He considered this inappropriate, so disguised himself in a fat body. Although both Budai and Phra Sangkajai may be found in both Thai and Chinese temples, Phra Sangkajai is found more often in Thai temples, and Budai in Chinese temples. Two points to distinguish them from one another are: Eccentricity (behavior) Eccentricity (also called quirkiness )

288-587: A mental illness suffer from their behavior, while eccentrics are quite happy. He even opines that eccentrics are less prone to mental illness than everyone else. According to Weeks' study, there are several distinctive characteristics that often differentiate a healthy eccentric person from a regular person or someone who has a mental illness. The first five characteristics on Weeks' list are found in most people regarded as eccentric: Weeks also lists characteristics that some, but not all, eccentric people may exhibit: Seven Lucky Gods In Japanese mythology,

336-553: A mischievous person and he had no fixed place to sleep. He carries a bag on his shoulders which is loaded with fortunes for those who believe in his virtues. Hotei's traits and virtues are contentment, magnanimity, and happiness. Hotei's original Chinese name was Kaishi, and according to legend, he died in March 916. The Japanese began to believe in Hotei during the Edo era . The reason why

384-422: A multiplicity of representative actions, like entertaining passersby, sheltering children under an umbrella and meditating using his sack as a cushion . In an especially known motif, Budai appears smoking in a kiseru and exhaling Otafuku , an ugly but charming prostitute that embodies Zen happiness, in a humorous reflection of the tradition according to which Shandao exhaled Amida , Kannon and Seishi with

432-405: A native Japanese ancestry. These gods have been recognized as such for over a thousand years. In the beginning, these gods were worshiped by merchants as the first two (Ebisu and Daikokuten) were gods of business and trade. Subsequently, other classes of Japanese society looked for gods that could correspond with their professions: Benzaiten as the patron of the arts, Fukurokuju as the patron of

480-429: A pedantic and precise manner of speaking, intermingled with inventive wordplay . Many of these behaviors share the characteristics of someone with an autistic spectrum disorder , such as the eccentric hobbies or the pedantic speech. Many individuals may even manifest eccentricities consciously and deliberately in an attempt to differentiate themselves from societal norms or enhance a sense of inimitable identity. Given

528-538: A poor person, some may accept as eccentricity in wealthy people. A person who is simply in a " fish out of water " situation is not, by the strictest definition, an eccentric since (presumably) they may be ordinary by the conventions of their native environment. Eccentrics may or may not comprehend the standards for normal behavior in their culture. They are simply unconcerned by society's disapproval of their habits or beliefs. Some eccentrics are pejoratively considered " cranks " rather than geniuses. Eccentric behavior

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576-502: A prayer. The smooth lumpfish is known in Japan as hotei-uo ("Budai fish") due to its rotund appearance. Angida was one of the original Eighteen Arhats . According to legend, Angida was a talented Indian snake catcher whose aim was to catch venomous snakes to prevent them from biting passers-by. Angida would also remove the snake's venomous fangs and release them. Due to his kindness, he was able to attain bodhi . In Chinese art, Angida

624-522: A spear to fight against the evil spirits. He is usually depicted in illustrations with a hoop of fire. Benzaiten's (弁才天 or 弁財天) origin is found in Hinduism , as she comes from the Hindu goddess Saraswati . She is the only female Fukujin in the modern grouping, and may be named in various ways: Benzaiten (弁才天), Benten (弁天), Bentensama (弁天様), or Benzaitennyo (弁才天女). When she was adapted from Buddhism , she

672-621: Is a direct translation of the Sanskrit name Mahākāla which means "Great Blackness". Per the Butsuzōzui compendium of 1690 (reprinted and expanded in 1796), Daikoku can also manifest as a female known as Daikokunyo (大黒女, lit. "She of Great Blackness") or Daikokutennyo (大黒天女, lit. "She of Great Blackness of the Heavens"). Bishamonten's (毘沙門天) origins can be traced back to Hinduism , but he has been adopted into Japanese culture. He comes from

720-527: Is an unusual or odd behavior on the part of an individual. This behavior would typically be perceived as unusual or unnecessary, without being demonstrably maladaptive . Eccentricity is contrasted with normal behavior, the nearly universal means by which individuals in society solve given problems and pursue certain priorities in everyday life. People who consistently display benignly eccentric behavior are labeled as "eccentrics". From Medieval Latin eccentricus , derived from Greek ekkentros , "out of

768-523: Is believed that he used to be a hermit during the Chinese Song dynasty , distinguished for being a reincarnation of the Taoist god Hsuan-wu. He is the god of wisdom, luck, longevity, wealth and happiness. This god receives certain credits, such as being one of the Chinese philosophers who could live without eating (breatharian). Moreover, he is the only god who was said to have the ability to resurrect

816-454: Is noted to have begun being used to describe unconventional or odd behavior. A noun form of the word – a person who possesses and exhibits these unconventional or odd qualities and behaviors – appeared by 1832. Eccentricity is often associated with genius , intellectual giftedness , or creativity . People may perceive the individual's eccentric behavior as the outward expression of their unique intelligence or creative impulse. In this vein,

864-436: Is often also accompanied by a 1500-year-old crane and a tortoise, as symbols of his affinity with long lives. In addition, he is usually represented under a peach tree, as the fruit of this tree is considered, by Chinese Taoism, as able to prolong life. In his hand he holds a cane and a book or a scroll. The wisdom of the world remains written in its pages. Jurojin enjoys rice and wine and is a very cheerful figure. Hotei (布袋)

912-513: Is often considered whimsical or quirky, although it can also be strange and disturbing. Many individuals previously considered merely eccentric, such as aviation magnate Howard Hughes , have recently been retrospectively diagnosed as having had mental disorders ( obsessive–compulsive disorder in Hughes' case). Other people may have an eccentric taste in clothes , or eccentric hobbies or collections they pursue with great vigor. They may have

960-541: Is sometimes confused with the arhat Kaccāna , known in Thailand as Phra Sangkajai or Phra Sangkachai . Buddha praised Phra Sangkajai for his excellence in explaining sophisticated concepts of the dhamma in an easily and correctly understandable manner. Phra Sangkajai is also known for composing the Madhupindika Sutta . One story from Thai folklore relates that Phra Sangkajai was so handsome that even

1008-585: Is sometimes portrayed as Budai, being rotund, laughing, and carrying a bag. In the Western world , Budai is often mistaken for Gautama Buddha himself, and thus is nicknamed the "Fat Buddha". In Mongolia, Budai is called Enkh Amaglan Khan, which is identical to the Mongolian name for the Kangxi Emperor . Because of this, Budai is often mistaken for the Kangxi Emperor. In Thailand , Budai

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1056-524: Is the god of fortune, guardian of children, patron of diviners and barmen, and also the god of popularity. He is depicted as a fat, smiling, bald man with a curly moustache. He always appears half-naked, as his clothes are not wide enough to cover his enormous belly. He blessed the Chinese, and they nicknamed him "Cho-Tei-Shi" or "Ho-Tei-Shi", which means ‘bag of old clothes’. Hotei was a Zen priest , but his appearance and some of his actions were against their moral code: his appearance made him look like quite

1104-411: Is the god of prosperity and wealth in business, and of plenitude and abundance in crops, cereals and food in general. He is the patron of fishermen and therefore is represented with fishermen's costumes such as a typical hat, a fishing rod in his right hand and a fish that can be either a carp , a hake , a codfish or a sea bass, or any large fish, in general, that symbolize abundance in meals (such as

1152-487: Is the patron of chess players. The characteristics of Fukurokuju and Jurōjin overlap as they both trace back to the Chinese Taoist deity Nánjílǎorén (南极老人) , which is why Fukurokuju's position is sometimes granted instead to the goddess Kichijōten , as in the Butsuzōzui compendium of 1783. Kichijōten (吉祥天), a Fukujin goddess is also known as Kisshōten or Kisshoutennyo (吉祥天女), and is adapted via Buddhism from

1200-426: The shōgun he served, Iemitsu Tokugawa , at the order of seeking whoever possessed the perfect virtues: longevity, fortune, popularity, sincerity, kindness, dignity, and magnanimity. Shortly after, a famous artist of the time, Kano Yasunobu, was ordained to portray these gods for the first time. From the period of the gods Izanami and Izanagi , Ebisu (恵比寿) is the only one whose origins are purely Japanese. He

1248-569: The Hindu goddess Lakshmi . Kisshōten has the traits of beauty, happiness, and fertility. In the 1783 edition of the Butsuzōzui compendium , Kichijōten replaces Fukurokuju as one of the Fukujin. Kichijōten's iconography is distinguished from the other Fukujin goddesses by the Nyoihōju gem (如意宝珠) in her hand. When Kichijōten replaces Fukurokuju, and Daikoku is regarded in feminine form, all three of

1296-525: The Seven Lucky Gods or Seven Gods of Fortune ( 七福神 , Shichifukujin in Japanese ) are believed to grant good luck and are often represented in netsuke and in artworks. One of the seven (Jurōjin) is said to be based on a historical figure. They all began as remote and impersonal gods, but gradually became much closer canonical figures for certain professions and Japanese arts . During

1344-527: The "special transmission" that occurred during the early to mid 12th century. This transmission did not rely on patriarchal lineage legitimacy but instead used the peculiar personalities and qualities of various folkloric figures to illustrate the Chan tradition's new commitment to the idea of "awakening" and the propagation of Chan to a larger congregation. The Chan Masters, Dahui Zonggao (1089–1163) and Hongzhi Zhengjue (1091–1157), were both leaders in

1392-738: The Buddha of the Future. A body allegedly belonging to Budai was embalmed and displayed at the eastern section of the Great Hall at Yuelin Temple in Fenghua District , Zhejiang . Budai was one of several "uncommitted saints" that became incorporated into the Chan pantheon. Similar "eccentric" figures from the lamp histories were never officially inducted or appropriated into the Chan patriarchal line. Instead, these obscure figures represented

1440-429: The Hindu god Kubera and is also known by the name " Vaisravana ". He is the god of fortune in war and battles, also associated with authority and dignity. He is the protector of those who follow the rules and behave appropriately. As the patron of fighters, he is represented dressed in armour and a helmet, and is often seen carrying a pagoda . He also acts as the protector of holy sites and important places and wields

1488-580: The Japanese have such great respect for this god comes from a legend that says that, before Zen Buddhism arrived in Japan, an alternative Buddhist thought was extended by a priest of dubious aesthetic, who actually was a manifestation of Miroku . Miroku was the patron of those who could not be saved by the beliefs of Buddha , and Hotei was later perceived and accepted by the Japanese as a second Miroku. The god Fukurokuju (福禄寿) also has his origins in China . It

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1536-506: The Lamp . Budai has origins centered on cult worship and local legend. He is traditionally depicted as a fat, bald monk wearing a simple robe. He carries his few possessions in a cloth sack, being poor but content. He would excitingly entertain the adoring children that followed him and was known for patting his large belly happily. His figure appears throughout Chinese culture as a representation of both contentment and abundance. Budai attracted

1584-518: The branch of a tree in his garden and, by using this as a trap, was able to catch a demon. This god is characterized by his smile, his short legs and the hat on his head. He is usually depicted with a bag full of valuable objects. Daikokuten's popular imagery originated as a syncretic conflation of the Buddhist death deity Mahākāla with the Shinto deity Ōkuninushi . The Japanese name Daikoku

1632-483: The center", from ek -, ex - "out of" + kentron , "center". Eccentric first appeared in English essays as a neologism in 1551, as an astronomical term meaning "a circle in which the earth, sun, etc. deviates from its center." (See Orbital eccentricity .) Five years later, in 1556, an adjective form of the word was used. In 1685, the definition evolved from the literal to the figurative, and eccentric

1680-703: The course of their history, the mutual influence between gods has created confusion about which of them was the patron of certain professions. The worship of this group of gods is also due to the importance of the number seven in Japan, supposedly a signifier of good luck. It is known that these deities mostly have their origins as ancient gods of fortune from religions popular in Japan: from Mahayana Buddhism (Benzaiten, Bishamonten, Daikokuten) which came to Japan from China but originated in India, and from Chinese Taoism (Fukurokuju, Hotei, Jurojin); except for one (Ebisu) who has

1728-452: The dead. Fukurokuju is characterized by the size of his head, being almost as large as the size of his whole body, and is represented wearing traditional Chinese costumes. He normally carries a cane in one hand and in the other a scroll with writings about the world. He is usually accompanied by a turtle, a crow or a deer, animals that are frequently used in Japan to symbolize a long life. It is also said that he likes to play chess , and hence

1776-435: The eccentric's habits are incomprehensible not because they are illogical or the result of madness, but because they stem from a mind so original that it cannot be conformed to societal norms . English utilitarian thinker John Stuart Mill (1806–1873) wrote that "the amount of eccentricity in a society has generally been proportional to the amount of genius, mental vigour, and moral courage which it contained", and mourned

1824-498: The established culture and folklore of Japan. The assimilation and reapplication of these wondrous charismas to the Zen pantheon assisted in the expansion of the Zen tradition. As the images demonstrate, Budai is most jubilant when in the presence of others, especially children. When depicted with other gods in the Seven Lucky Gods , Budai maintains a solemn or even depressed countenance. Budai's round figure comes into practical use through

1872-469: The incarnation of the southern pole star (南極星 "nankyokusei"), Juroujin (寿老人) is the god of the elderly and of longevity in Japanese Buddhist mythology. It is said that the legendary Juroujin is based on a real person who lived in ancient times. He was approximately 1.82 meters tall with a very long head. Besides his distinctive skull, he is represented with a long white beard, riding a deer, and

1920-405: The initial merging of local legend and Buddhist tradition. They hoped the induction of likable and odd figures would attract all types of people to the Chan tradition, no matter their gender, social background, or complete understanding of the dharma and patriarchal lineage. Bernard Faure summarizes this merging of local legend and Chan tradition by explaining, "One strategy in Chan for domesticating

1968-409: The occult was to transform thaumaturges into tricksters by playing down their occult powers and stressing their this-world aspect..." The movement allocated the figures as religious props and channeled their extraordinary charismas into the lens of the Chan pantheon in order to appeal to a larger population. Ultimately, Budai was revered from both a folkloric standpoint as a strange, wandering vagabond of

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2016-488: The overwhelmingly positive stereotypes (at least in popular culture and especially with fictional characters ) often associated with eccentricity, as detailed above, certain individuals seek to be associated with this sort of character type. However, this is not always successful as eccentric individuals are not necessarily charismatic and the individual in question may simply be dismissed by others as just seeking attention . Psychologist David Weeks believes people with

2064-594: The people as well as from his newfound personage within the context of the Chan tradition as a 'mendicant priest' who brought abundance, fortune, and joy to all he encountered with the help of his mystical "cloth sack" bag. Budai is almost always depicted with his cloth sack that looks like a large bag. The bag serves as a prominent motif within the context of Chan Buddhism as it represents abundance, prosperity, and contentment. Ink paintings such as these attributed to Budai often had an inscription and seal that signaled to high-ranking officials. For example, Budai and Jiang Mohe

2112-575: The sciences, and so on. In ancient times, these gods were worshiped separately, but this rarely happens today – only when it is required for the god to act on behalf of the applicant. The Seven Gods of Fortune started being mentioned as a collective in the year 1420 in Fushimi, in order to imitate the processions of the daimyōs , the feudal lords of pre-modern Japan. It is said that the Buddhist priest Tenkai selected these gods after speaking with

2160-549: The sculpting of the incense box (18th century) that splits the monk's body into two halves. The newer images such as Hotei and Children Carrying Lanterns (19th century) employs much more color, dramatization of physical features, and detail than the older pieces such as Hotei from Mokuan Reien (1336) that employs much more wispy and heavily contrasting outlines of his figure with no color or assumed setting. Japanese iconography, like that of Zen master Hakuin Ekaku , shows Budai in

2208-404: The townspeople around him as he was able to predict people's fortunes and even weather patterns. The wandering monk was often inclined to sleep anywhere he came to, even outside, for his mystical powers could ward off the bitter colds of snow and his body was left unaffected. A recovered death note dated to 28 March 917, which the monk himself wrote, claims that he is an incarnation of Maitreya ,

2256-421: Was given the attributes of financial fortune, talent, beauty and music among others. Often, her figure appears with a Torii . She is represented as a smart, beautiful woman with all the aforementioned attributes. She carries a biwa , a Japanese traditional lute-like instrument, and is normally accompanied by a white snake. She is the patron of artists, writers, dancers, and geisha , among others. Considered

2304-455: Was inscribed by Chusi Fanqi, who was closely related to Song Lian (1310–1381) and Wei Su (1295–1372). After Chan Buddhism was transmitted to Japan around the 13th century as Zen Buddhism, the devout monastics and laymen of the area utilized figure painting to portray the characters central to this "awakening" period of Zen art. Many of the eccentric personalities that were inducted into the Zen tradition like Budai were previously wrapped up in

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