page_title: Budai
section_title: Angida
hierarchical_section_title: Budai / Confusion with other religious figures / Angida
caption_attribution_description: Deutsch: Budai unter einer Kiefer; Tusche und Farben auf Papier; Museum Rietberg, Zürich; Geschenk Charles A. Drenowatz; Inv. Nr. RCH 1027 English: Budai under a pine tree; ink and paint on paper; Museum Rietberg, Zurich; donation of Charles A. Drenowatz; Inv. No. RCH 1027
context_page_description: Budai is a semi-historical Chinese monk who is venerated as Maitreya Buddha in Chan Buddhism. He was also introduced into the Japanese Buddhist pantheon. He allegedly lived around the 10th century in the Wuyue kingdom. His name literally means "cloth sack", and refers to the bag that he is conventionally depicted as carrying as he wanders aimlessly. His jolly nature, humorous personality, and eccentric lifestyle distinguish him from most Buddhist masters or figures. He is almost always shown smiling or laughing, hence his nickname in Chinese, the "Laughing Buddha". As he is traditionally depicted as fat, he is also referred to as the "Fat Buddha", especially in the Western world.
  The main textual evidence pointing to Budai resides in a collection of Zen Buddhist monks' biographies known as The Transmission of the Lamp.
context_section_description: Angida was one of the original Eighteen Arhats. According to legend, Angida was a talented Indian snake catcher whose aim was to catch venomous snakes to prevent them from biting passers-by. Angida would also remove the snake's venomous fangs and release them. Due to his kindness, he was able to attain bodhi.
  In Chinese art, Angida is sometimes portrayed as Budai, being rotund, laughing, and carrying a bag.
caption: Budai under a pine tree, by Wang Zhen. 1921
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