The Laughing Buddha: Why Maitreya Still Smiles Across Centuries
If you’ve ever walked into a Chinese temple or even a small shop tucked away in a busy street, chances are you’ve met him—the round-bellied, smiling figure who seems to radiate warmth without saying a word. In the West, he’s often called the “Laughing Buddha.” In China, he’s closely associated with Maitreya, the future Buddha. But the story behind him is far richer than a simple symbol of happiness.











