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Who is the ‘Laughing Buddha’? A scholar of East Asian Buddhism explains

  • Written by Megan Bryson, Associate Professor of Religious Studies, University of Tennessee
Who is the ‘Laughing Buddha’? A scholar of East Asian Buddhism explainsPorcelain 'Laughing Buddha' image, China, 17th-18th century.Metropolitan Museum of Art

With his delighted expression, round belly, bald head and monastic robes, the “Laughing Buddha” is instantly identifiable. However, astute observers might wonder why this buddha does not look like the historical Buddha, who lived in India about 2,500...

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