Key Points

- Closely related to a Chinese Buddha, who will one day be the THE Buddha 

- Jolly and Humorous unlike most Buddha Masters 

- Seven Gods of Fortune

Brief Bio 

In Japanese mythology, Hotei is one of the Seven Lucky Gods (Shichi Fukujin), known for his jovial, rotund figure and his large cloth sack. He is often called the "Laughing Buddha" and symbolizes contentment, happiness, and abundance. Hotei's origins trace back to a Chinese monk named Budai, who was considered an incarnation of Maitreya (the future Buddha).