(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Over the years I have heard many stories about the placement of the Laughing Buddha statue.
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Ever so often I see variety of Laughing Buddhas placed in people’s homes. Some of them are colourful while some are simple. The most common belief about this statue is that it attracts wealth and prosperity. The beliefs attached to this statue are many and some are indeed strange. Some believe that rubbing the exposed belly of the statue would help in generating income. While others seem to think that submerging the Laughing Buddha in water will bring opportunities to travel abroad.Over the years I have heard many stories about the placement of the Laughing Buddha statue. Very often multiple statues are displayed all over the house especially opposite the main entrance door. It is believed that if the statue is facing the main door it brings in money. If we go by this logic then every person who has ever displayed the Laughing Buddha statue by the entrance should be a millionaire!
No one knows where this superstitious belief started and how it caught on in different parts of the world. One reason could be that it seemed an easy way to get rich by simply following the practice. Whatever may be the reason people still continue to display the Laughing Buddha statue opposite the main door in the hope of winning a lottery.
After doing some considerable research and reading Feng Shui history books I managed to dig out an old story about the origin of the statue and the belief attached to it.
In 10th century China there was a popular Buddhist monk who was a Zen master. He was a loving and caring monk who played with children and always carried candy for them. His happy and joyful nature attracted many followers. As time passed many people started creating statues in his memory. The villagers displayed these statues as a reminder of how happy life could be inspite of adversities and challenges. However this Laughing Buddha is not to be confused with Gautam Buddha who was the founder of Buddhism.
In my opinion the Laughing Buddha seems to have more cultural significance than any real Feng Shui history attached to it. So does it mean you cannot display a Laughing Buddha by the entrance
Of course you can. If you feel happy looking at the statue and think it’s going to bring you good luck – then go right ahead. If you believe that your life will improve by displaying the statue then it’s the right thing to do. Just remember – the effect is more psychological and it’s not a real Feng Shui cure.
Shivani Adalja is a Dubai-based wellbeing expert. She runs the Alignment Insitute which offers effective solutions that focus on stress management and overall wellbeing. Email alignshivaniadalja.com.
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