Budai

Budai is a semi-historical Chinese monk who is venerated as Maitreya Buddha in Chan Buddhism. He is said to have 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.Read more