Skinny Buddha vs Chubby Buddha

[terryhaddon]

What's the difference. Does one symbolize one thing and the other something else. I can't seem to find the answer.

[MisterGrau]

Now I am not a Buddhist, even though I am quite intrigued, but I always thought it had to do with sensibilities. The Thai Buddhas are usually skinny and "attractive", whereas the Chinese Buddhas are usually the ones with the potbelly. At least I think so. Rubbing the belly of a fat Buddha is supposed to bring luck, Rubbing the belly of a skinny Buddha is just wrong, unless you are gay (not that there is anything wrong with that), and even then, it is a little weird....

[Steve Laino]

Buddha — Birth Name: Siddhartha Gautama

Siddhartha Gautama (the thin one) was from India and not considered the only Buddha. The term "Buddha" means "the awakened one" and therefore anyone who becomes awakened can be considered a Buddha. The larger Buddha is known in English as "the laughing Buddha" and is popular for being friendly. His image is based on a Chinese monk. Many people rub is round belly for good luck.
If you ever have the chance to visit a Buddhist temple, you will see that there are many more Buddha's to discover and learn from.

Hey, I got the s&!t from some f@#king website so don't go blastin' a brotha for not knowin' it all, YO!!! LOL

[phinsup]

From what I've read, the "Fat Buddha" is supposed to represent what you gain from experience. The skinny is more accurate for the actual Buddha person. Now every time you change the position of his feet, hands, eyes, hairstyle, flower he's sitting in, what he's holding, wearing, etc., etc., etc., it changes his meaning. Good luck!!

[terryhaddon]

thanks everyone, still pretty confused but ol' mr google should help me out.

[Psychoholic]

Beware when researching Buddha (for more than 'what does this one mean?') - you will find yourself drawn more and more to it since it makes so much sense. I'm personally too materialistic and self centered to make a good buddhist, but other than that I would do it in a heartbeat.

[ffdbrooks]

All I have to say about that is WORD!

[terryhaddon]

this is what drew me in:

"believe nothing, no matter where you read it or who has said it, not even if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense.
-buddha"

[TattooPadawan]

Originally Posted by terryhaddon

this is what drew me in:

"believe nothing, no matter where you read it or who has said it, not even if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense.
-buddha"

This is good advice!

[Psychoholic]

The Dali Lama is about the only religious leader who is always smiling a geniune smile - and his advice is always just as sage as what is posted above 'it may not be right for everyone, but its right for me and it makes me happy'

How can you not like that?