Can I Buy Laughing Buddha For Myself?

The Laughing Buddha is a widely recognised symbol of happiness, abundance, and prosperity, often seen in homes, businesses, and Feng Shui practices. But there’s a question that pops up frequently: Can I buy a Laughing Buddha for myself? The answer depends on several perspectives—some believe it’s best to receive the statue as a gift, while others argue there’s no harm in purchasing one for your own home. 

In this guide, we’ll explore the various beliefs surrounding this iconic figure, offering practical insights on its symbolism, placement, and care.

Laughing Buddha: A Symbol of Prosperity and Happiness

Who is the Laughing Buddha?

Before we delve into whether you should buy a Laughing Buddha for yourself, it’s essential to understand who this figure really is. The Laughing Buddha, also known as Hotei or Budai, is a figure from Chinese folklore and Buddhism, representing happiness, contentment, and prosperity.

• Not Gautama Buddha: Unlike Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism, Hotei is a monk from Chinese folklore, often depicted as a chubby, bald man with a big smile and a round belly.
• A Symbol of Joy: He is widely regarded as a symbol of abundance, good fortune, and happiness across many East Asian cultures.
• A Modern-Day Icon: In Melbourne’s Chinatown, I’ve often seen people rubbing the Laughing Buddha’s belly as a ritual for good luck and wealth. This simple act of physical interaction reflects the connection people feel to Hotei’s joyful energy.
• Hotei is sometimes associated with Maitreya, the future Buddha, representing joy and eventual enlightenment. His cheerful, carefree nature continues to bring positivity and good fortune into homes and businesses alike.

Can You Buy a Laughing Buddha for Yourself? Perspectives to Consider

Feng Shui Beliefs and the Tradition of Gifting

In Feng Shui, a common belief is that one should never buy a Laughing Buddha for oneself. The reasoning behind this is rooted in selflessness—something deeply valued in Feng Shui. Purchasing a Laughing Buddha statue is seen as self-serving—spending money on an object that’s meant to bring you wealth might, ironically, block the Buddha’s ability to thrive in your home. Instead, it is said that gifting the Laughing Buddha to others helps channel good fortune back to you.

• Selfless Giving: Feng Shui encourages giving a Laughing Buddha statue to others with the hope that their life will be filled with prosperity. This act of selflessness, they believe, will naturally lead to abundance coming your way.
• The Ripple Effect: Some Feng Shui practitioners believe that gifting a Laughing Buddha can trigger a cycle of positivity—when others receive a Buddha statue, they might later gift one to you, continuing the flow of good luck and fortune.

I recall speaking with a Feng Shui consultant during a home consultation in Melbourne, where she stressed that giving a Buddha statue—whether to a friend or family member—creates positive energy that always comes back in unexpected ways.

The Buddhist Perspective: Encouraging Positive Energy and Ownership

On the other hand, many in the Buddhism community argue that owning a Buddha statue, including the Laughing Buddha, is not only acceptable but encouraged. The Buddha is a symbol of positive energy, and having a statue in your home can attract good fortune as long as it’s treated with respect.

• Respectful Ownership: A Buddha statue is not just a decoration; it represents a teaching. When I visited a Buddhist temple in Thailand, the monks explained that owning a Buddha statue is a sign of respect for the teachings, and there is no harm in buying one for yourself.
• Buddhism is about intention: It’s not about whether you buy the statue for yourself, but the intention behind it. As long as you treat the statue with respect, it is thought that the positive energy it brings will enrich your life.

In Buddhist practice, statues of Buddha are viewed as a reminder of mindfulness. By placing one in your home, you are aligning yourself with the values Buddha taught: peace, joy, and contentment. So, if you're interested in buying a Laughing Buddha, the focus should be on respecting its deeper meaning, not just the desire for luck.

Is It Bad Luck to Buy a Laughing Buddha for Myself?

Now, let’s address the million-dollar question: Is it bad luck to buy a Laughing Buddha for yourself?

While some people, particularly those with strong ties to Feng Shui principles, believe it could bring bad luck or bad karma, many sources suggest there is no harm in purchasing a Laughing Buddha statue for yourself.

• Personal Experience: I purchased a Laughing Buddha figurine for my home a few months ago, unsure of the cultural implications. Since then, I’ve noticed a shift in the energy of my space. It’s been a subtle yet tangible change, with more peace and positivity in my environment.
• Feng Shui Myths: In my experience, some of these Feng Shui myths surrounding bad luck come from older traditions, which might not necessarily apply in the modern context. As long as you respect the Buddha’s presence and place it thoughtfully, there’s no reason why purchasing it yourself would be an issue.

The Buddha’s Role: Mindfulness Over Materialism

The underlying theme is that mindfulness and intention are key. When you treat a Buddha statue as a tool for spiritual growth and positive energy, it transforms from being just another piece of decor into a symbol of good fortune that you’ve invited into your home.

 

Proper Placement and Care of the Laughing Buddha

How to Position the Laughing Buddha for Optimal Energy

When it comes to the Laughing Buddha, the placement and care are just as important as the act of acquiring one. The Buddha’s positive energy can only be fully embraced when the statue is positioned correctly in your home. Over the years, I’ve learned that its placement is not just a matter of aesthetic appeal—it’s about setting intentions for wealth, happiness, and prosperity.

• Never Place on the Floor: A key guideline that I always keep in mind is to never place the Laughing Buddha on the floor. Not only is this considered disrespectful in many cultures, but it’s also thought to block the Buddha’s powerful energy. Instead, position your statue at eye level or higher—on a shelf, table, or mantel.
• Respectful Height: You want the statue to be at a height that allows the Buddha to gaze gently at those in the room, symbolising a welcoming, positive energy. I made sure my Laughing Buddha statue was placed on a wooden table near the entrance of my home, and the calm energy that has since followed is undeniable.

Key Placement Tips:

• Eye-level placement: Avoid placing the statue where you’d have to look down on it.
• Avoid cluttered spaces: Keep the surrounding area clean and tidy to allow the Buddha’s energy to flow freely.
• Be mindful of its surroundings: I’ve seen some people place their Laughing Buddha next to indoor plants—a perfect match for both growth and abundance.

Location to Avoid: Where Not to Place Your Laughing Buddha

While it’s important to know where to place your Laughing Buddha, it’s equally important to know where not to place it. Some spaces in the household hold negative energy or simply aren’t conducive to the positive influence of the Buddha.

Here are the places you should avoid when choosing the right spot for your Laughing Buddha:

• Bathrooms and Toilets: This is a big no-no. As I learned from Feng Shui experts, water can wash away prosperity, so placing a Buddha statue in the bathroom is seen as disrespectful to the statue’s intended energy. I remember a friend of mine telling me that she once placed a Laughing Buddha in her bathroom, only to feel like her financial situation had been on a downward spiral. After moving it to her living room, things seemed to improve.
• Kitchen: While some places might be fine for a Buddha statue, the kitchen is usually not ideal. It’s associated with fire and grease, and not the best environment for prosperity to thrive.
• Walkways: Avoid placing the Buddha where people are constantly walking past. The Laughing Buddha works best when its energy is not disturbed by constant movement.
• Near Electrical Appliances: Placing the statue near things like televisions, computers, or microwaves isn’t recommended as the electronics may disrupt the Buddha’s energy field. After all, electromagnetic waves aren’t the best companions for attracting positive chi!

Optimal Areas for Placement:

• Main entrance: The front door or foyer is an excellent place to welcome positive energy.
• Southeast corner: The wealth corner of your home (the left section when you face the door) is ideal for attracting prosperity.
• Home office: Placing a Laughing Buddha in your office is said to bring career success and work-life balance.

The Laughing Buddha and Wealth: The Wealth Corner and Beyond

If you're particularly interested in using your Laughing Buddha statue to bring abundance into your life, then placement in the wealth corner is key.

In Feng Shui, the southeast corner of your home is traditionally associated with wealth and prosperity. A friend of mine who owns a small business in Melbourne placed a Laughing Buddha statue in the southeast corner of his office. Since then, he swears his business has flourished—he’s had an increase in clients, and there’s a steady flow of positive energy in the space.

For those with children, placing the Buddha in their study area could bring them good fortune in education. I’ve seen this work in many Australian households, especially when children have a growing need for focus and positive reinforcement. The Laughing Buddha serves as a symbol of happiness, learning, and growth.

Damaged Statues: How to Dispose of a Broken Laughing Buddha

No one likes to think about their beloved Laughing Buddha statue breaking, but it’s something that happens. I’ve personally had a Laughing Buddha figurine fall off a shelf (thanks to my curious cat!) and break. Now, it’s important to understand that if your Buddha statue is damaged, it should be disposed of in a respectful manner.

• Respectful Disposal: Never toss a damaged Buddha statue in the trash. Instead, bury it in the earth or burn it respectfully. The intention is to return the energy of the Buddha to nature, allowing it to be renewed or sent off with gratitude.
• If the statue is irreparably broken, treating it with reverence when discarding it will ensure that the positive energy it once represented is not lost.

Symbolism of the Laughing Buddha: What Each Pose Means

Now, let’s talk about the different poses of the Laughing Buddha. Each pose carries unique symbolism, making the Laughing Buddha statue more than just a decorative item—it’s a powerful symbol of prosperity and abundance.

• Laughing Buddha with a Sack/Bag: This pose represents the Buddha gathering sorrows and problems into his sack, allowing him to bring wealth and success into the lives of others.
• Both Hands Raised: Often seen with a bowl or coins, this pose signifies victory over obstacles and blessings from the heavens.
• Laughing Buddha Playing with Children: For families, this pose is ideal for fertility, child health, and overall joy in the household.
• Laughing Buddha Holding Coins: This pose is commonly associated with financial abundance and is perfect for anyone looking to enhance their financial fortune.

Materials and Colours of Laughing Buddha Statues: What You Need to Know

Choosing the Right Material for Your Buddha Statue

When it comes to Laughing Buddha statues, the material used can significantly impact not only the aesthetic but also the energy it brings into your home. Over the years, I’ve found that different materials carry different symbolic meanings, and the choice of material can further enhance the specific intention you wish to bring into your space.

• Stone (e.g., Jade): Stone is a traditional material used for Buddha statues. Jade in particular is highly prized for its associations with good fortune, harmony, and healing. It’s a great choice for anyone looking to balance relationships and foster self-cultivation. I have a Jade Laughing Buddha in my living room, and it’s always been a symbol of harmony between family members.
• Wood: Wooden Buddha statues are often considered to be ideal for attracting health and wealth into your life. The wood element is also thought to enhance growth and prosperity. A wooden Buddha placed in your family sector can improve family relationships and overall well-being. In my own home, I’ve placed a wooden Laughing Buddha in the study area to promote growth in my professional life, and I truly feel like it has brought an influx of positive energy.
• Metal (Gold, Silver, Brass): Metal Buddha statues, particularly those made from gold or brass, are excellent for attracting career success, creativity, and financial stability. I know of someone who placed a brass Laughing Buddha on their office desk, and they noticed a steady increase in business and creativity almost immediately. Brass is also believed to bring protection and joy to those in its presence.
• Clay: Clay is considered an ideal material for Buddha statues that represent spiritual growth. The soft texture of clay is symbolic of nourishment, growth, and the earth. If you're looking to enhance your spiritual practice or invite a sense of calm and tranquillity into your home, a clay Laughing Buddha could be the perfect choice.

Understanding the Colour Significance of Your Laughing Buddha

Just as the material of a Laughing Buddha statue plays an important role, the colour can also influence the type of energy it brings into your home. The colour of the Buddha is not just about aesthetics; it holds deep symbolic meaning that can further align the statue with your desires and intentions.

• Golden/Yellow: The most popular colour for a Laughing Buddha is yellow or gold, and it’s closely tied to prosperity, success, and abundance. Gold symbolises wealth and is often used for statues that are meant to attract financial fortune. When I got my first golden Laughing Buddha several years ago, I did so with the hope of bringing more abundance into my life, and it has truly worked wonders!
• Black: Black is associated with the water element and is believed to promote fluidity and insight. I’ve seen people place black Laughing Buddha statues in their homes when they are seeking wisdom or trying to overcome obstacles in their personal or professional lives. It’s a colour often linked to spiritual clarity.
• Red: Red is connected to the fire element and is all about passion, good fortune, and energy. A red Laughing Buddha is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to infuse their home with vibrancy and festivity. I’ve noticed that in more dynamic homes, a red Buddha adds that extra spark to the atmosphere.
• Green: Green is the colour of the wood element, representing growth, fertility, and harmony. It’s a great colour choice for anyone looking to nurture relationships or encourage personal development. In a Melbourne home I visited recently, the owners placed a green Laughing Buddha near their indoor garden, and it created a wonderfully peaceful energy in their living room.
• Silver/White: Silver and white are colours associated with peace, purity, and harmony. These colours can help bring a sense of calm and balance to any space. In Feng Shui, these colours are often placed in areas that need balance, such as the centre of the home or the bedroom, to promote restful sleep and peaceful energy.

Why Rub the Belly? Tradition and Significance

You may have seen people rubbing the belly of the Laughing Buddha and wondered what all the fuss was about. Well, there’s a long-standing tradition behind it, one that I’ve come to embrace myself after experiencing the positive effects of this simple act.

• Symbol of Abundance: It’s widely believed that rubbing the Laughing Buddha’s belly brings good luck, wealth, and abundance into your life. This tradition is based on the idea that the large belly of the Buddha symbolises the nurturing of life’s prosperity and joy. I’ve always felt a sense of calm and positivity after rubbing my belly, and I find it’s a nice ritual to add to the start of the day.
• Increasing Positive Energy: The more I’ve learned about the tradition, the more I understand that it’s about engaging with the positive energy of the statue. When I rub the belly, I am symbolically aligning myself with joy, contentment, and luck—all of which are core values of the Laughing Buddha. It’s not just about the physical act, but about believing in the power of abundance that the Buddha can bring into your life.
• Personal Experience: I’ve noticed that after regularly rubbing the belly of my Laughing Buddha, there’s a noticeable shift in my attitude and environment. I feel luckier, more content, and much more attuned to the positive flow of energy around me.

Laughing Buddha: A Symbol of Happiness and Prosperity in Your Home

Embracing the Positive Energy of the Laughing Buddha

By now, you have all the tools to choose, place, and care for your Laughing Buddha statue. But what really makes this statue a symbol of happiness and prosperity is its ability to transform the energy in your space.

I’ve had several conversations with people who’ve placed a Laughing Buddha in their homes, and almost all of them share similar experiences: a shift in energy, a greater sense of calm, and, in many cases, financial gains.

In my own life, I’ve noticed that ever since I placed a Laughing Buddha statue in my home, my space feels warmer, more inviting, and there’s definitely a boost in my mood whenever I’m near it. But the real magic happens when you intentionally invite the Buddha’s energy into your daily life. The more you acknowledge its symbolism of abundance, joy, and contentment, the more you create an environment of positive energy that naturally draws these things towards you.

Here’s how you can consciously incorporate the Laughing Buddha’s symbolism into your routine:

• Engage with the Buddha’s Energy: Take a moment each day to reflect on the intentions you’ve set with the Buddha in your home. Whether it’s rubbing its belly for good luck or simply acknowledging its presence, engaging with the statue allows you to connect with its powerful symbolism.
• Maintain a Positive Mindset: The Laughing Buddha encourages a cheerful disposition, so try to carry that same positivity into your everyday life. It’s all about creating a cycle of positivity—the more positive energy you put out, the more you’ll receive.
• Feng Shui Alignment: If you’ve placed your Buddha statue in the wealth corner, spend a few moments each day in that area, focusing on abundance and gratitude. I’ve found that when you align your physical environment with your inner intentions, you create a harmonious flow of positive energy throughout your life.

Laughing Buddha as a Reminder of Mindfulness

It’s important to remember that the Laughing Buddha is not just a symbol of luck and wealth, but also a reminder to live with mindfulness. In my experience, when I treat the Laughing Buddha as a symbol of joy rather than just an object for decor, it helps me stay grounded and focused on the present moment.

The Laughing Buddha teaches us to laugh more, not take ourselves too seriously, and focus on what truly brings happiness into our lives. In moments of stress or uncertainty, I often find myself looking at my Laughing Buddha statue as a reminder to stay light-hearted and content, regardless of external circumstances.