Which historical figure is commonly known as the Laughing Buddha in Chinese culture? The answer is Budai.
Budai was a Chinese monk traditionally identified as Qieci, who lived during the Later Liang period and died in 917. He is remembered in stories as a cheerful, eccentric wanderer carrying a cloth sack—budai literally means “cloth sack.” His generous nature and love of food helped shape the familiar image of a round-bellied, smiling figure.
The name “Laughing Buddha” is a popular nickname, not a claim that Budai was the historical Gautama Buddha. In Chinese Buddhist tradition, Budai also became associated with Maitreya, the future Buddha, which helps explain why statues of him are treated as auspicious. His image later spread to Vietnam, Korea, Japan, and the wider world.
Common depictions show Budai with a large belly, prayer beads, children, or his sack. The belly is often interpreted as a symbol of abundance, generosity, or tolerance. Maitreya is the most common mix-up: Budai may represent or embody Maitreya in East Asian devotion, but the historical figure behind the Laughing Buddha image is Budai.