Where does the chubby Buddha come in in Buddhism?

Answer 1

This is a Chinese Buddha and is not an orthodox image. It is a cultural icon however. The name of the Laughing Buddha is Hotei and it is a mix of Buddhist, Taoist and Shinto imagery. His name in Chinese is Pu-tai (Jap., Hotei) which means "hempen sack". Pu-tai was an actual Chinese Buddhist monk who lived around the 10th century (whose real name was Ch'i-tz'u). His peculiar name came from the fact that he wandered from town to town carrying a hempen sack over his shoulder. Many wonderful stories are associated with him. He is truly an enigmatic character. He personifies the spirit of Zen insofar as he is carefree, yet wise and fully enlightened. At the time of his death (parinirvana) he revealed that he was Maitreya Buddha. He is often called the 'Laughing Buddha'. he is does not nore will the chubby Buddha *if you will*ever really become apart of Buddhaism,the real Buddha was not chubby as a matter afact he fasted for several days on end,he more than likely didnt weigh over 120 pounds because he never ate.the guy that you are reffering to is a Monk and not Buddha