The Laughing Buddha's Zen

By Staff

Wednesday, July 15, 2009, 16:17

The statue of the Laughing Buddha, Hotei, carrying a linen sack is a familiar figure, however hardly anyone knows of him except the fact that he signifies contentment and abundance.

Here is a Zen story regarding him.

Hotei, one of the seven Lucky Gods in Japan lived in the T'ang dynasty. He had the least desire to be acknowledged as a Zen master and did not entertain a gathering around him as disciples. Hotei, instead walked his way of life, walking the streets with a sack of candy, fruits or doughnuts that he distributed to children who gathered around him to play.
He even established a kindergarten of the streets.

It was customary of him to extend his hand for a penny when ever he met a Zen follower .

Once when Hotei was about to play-work , another Zen master encountered him and inquired : "What is the significance of Zen?".

Hotei immediately dropped the sack that he was carrying on the floor without a word.

The Zen master asked "What is the actualization of Zen?"

Hotei, the laughing Buddha, swung the bag over his shoulders and continued to go his way.