Why Does Maitreya Buddha Always Laugh：Everything You Need to Know

Introduction

Why is Maitreya Buddha always smiling? More than a cheerful figure with a big belly, his joyful smile carries deep meaning. Behind it lies a story of kindness, wisdom, and the practice of joyful giving. Let’s explore the truth behind the Laughing Buddha.

The Future Buddha: Maitreya, the Next Enlightened One

Maitreya Bodhisattva is recognized as the successor to Shakyamuni Buddha. In the future, he will descend into our Saha world to cultivate the Way and become the next Buddha, also known as the “Future Buddha.” He currently resides in the inner court of the Tusita Heaven, where he continues to practice and teach the Dharma.

The Historical Origin of the Laughing Maitreya: The Cloth Bag Monk

Interestingly, the “Laughing Maitreya” often seen in Chinese temples has a historical origin. During the Five Dynasties period in Zhejiang’s Fenghua region, there lived a chubby monk named Qici. He had a distinctive appearance—short and plump with large earlobes—and was often seen carrying a cloth bag.

He would beg for alms and casually toss whatever he received into his bag. He asked for anything he saw, and whatever was given to him, he put in the bag and then gave it all away to others. If someone asked him for a teaching, he would simply drop the bag on the ground—a gesture symbolizing “letting go.” If the person still didn’t understand, he would laugh heartily, pick up his bag, and walk away without another word.

A Lesson in Joyful Generosity

One day, after giving away everything he had collected, he met someone who asked him for more. The monk replied, “My bag is empty today; I have nothing left.” The person retorted, “But you still have your clothes.”

“Oh yes, that’s right!” he laughed and began to take off his robe. Halfway through, he laughed again and said, “Look—everything in this world can be given away, even the clothes on your back. If the giver is joyful and the receiver is joyful, that is true universal joy.”

The Transformation of a Monk into a Buddha Image

Because Monk Qici was so lovable, people affectionately called him “the Cloth Bag Monk.” He had kind eyes, a wide smile, a bare chest, and a joyful demeanor. Though his speech sometimes sounded incoherent, his words were often full of subtle wisdom.

He was also known for accurately predicting fortunes and omens. One day, he sat cross-legged on a rock in front of Yue Lin Temple in Fenghua and recited a verse:

Maitreya, true Maitreya,
A billion forms you take.
Always appearing in this world,
Yet people fail to recognize you.

After chanting the verse, he passed away peacefully. Reflecting on his words and actions, people believed he was an incarnation of Maitreya Bodhisattva, here to guide beings. Since then, most Chinese temples have portrayed Maitreya Buddha in his likeness—with a big belly, joyful face, and ever-present smile.

Why Does Maitreya Always Smile?

In Lingyin Temple in Hangzhou, an inscription in front of the Maitreya statue offers a clue:

“Boundless is the Dharma he reveals—see him now,
Bare-chested, open-hearted, he ends it all with a smile.
Where did the Flying Peak come from? Who knows?
May we all bow our heads in humility, and save all beings.”

This poetic couplet suggests that to achieve universal joy, we must learn the Dharma of rejoicing in others’ happiness, practice humility, and always greet the world with a smile.

Everyone seeks happiness—this is natural. Yet ironically, some people feel unhappy when they see others joyful. They compare, envy, and fall into sadness: someone else is wealthier, more successful, more talented. Instead of feeling joy, they suffer, and in turn, make others around them suffer too. What’s the point?

Smiling as a Practice, Joy as a Way of Life

Maitreya’s big belly represents abundance and openness. His entire life is dedicated to one practice: smiling. He teaches the Dharma of universal joy by first embodying kindness and cheerfulness.

An old saying goes, “Nine out of ten fat people are wealthy.” But some wealthy people are not fat—they may be burdened by too many worries and too little generosity. Beyond material comfort, we also need spiritual richness: a broad heart that can contain everything. Only with such openness can we truly be happy, and even physically healthy—“a big heart brings a big belly.”

Maitreya's smile is sincere and pure. Unlike the smiles of ordinary people, which are often based on pride or self-interest, his smile comes from compassion for others. His joy is not self-centered—it is freely shared with all beings.

A Smiling Gatekeeper: The First Step in Cultivation

Maitreya sits at the temple gate, welcoming people from all directions with his smile. This tells us that the first step in Buddhist practice is cultivating a joyful heart. A heart that is open and inclusive, that embraces everything, and that generates joy for oneself and others.

To Maitreya, everyone is connected to him. His compassion overflows into a smile that never fades. His image reminds us that through joy and a cheerful spirit, we can resolve all difficulties more easily. His smile tells us to open our hearts, face life bravely, and create a harmonious world.

We should learn from Maitreya’s joyful, free-spirited example—to benefit all beings joyfully, and through that joy, realize our own spiritual growth.