Lanterns

In Chinatown, as everywhere else in town, everything seems to be in place for the forthcoming Vesak celebrations. Vesak Day is one of the biggest days of the year in the Buddhist calendar and is celebrated by Buddhists all over the world. The day marks the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha and is a day of great celebrations. It is traditional to clean the home and decorate it in preparation for the celebrations which begin before dawn and continue throughout the day with religious services, prayer meetings, meditation sessions and processions. Monday will be a public holiday in Singapore and the celebrations are supposed to be some of the finest (but I will not be there to witness them).

Laughing Buddha

I often see this laughing Buddha in temples, restaurants or amulets and I have always wondered why he is so different from the other depictions of Buddha. In fact, it appears that he was in reality an eccentric Chinese Monk called Hotei or Pu-Tai who lived over 1000 years ago. Because of his benevolent nature, jolly smile and protruding stomach he came to be regarded as an incarnation of the bodhisattva who will be Maitreya (the Future Buddha). I have also always been told that rubbing his belly was bringing luck and prosperity.

The image of Hotei is almost always seen carrying a cloth or linen sack (that never empties) which is filled with many precious items, including rice plants (indicating wealth), candy for children, food, etc. He is patron of the weak, poor and children. Religious facts apart, on my side any depiction of this monk never fail to attract my attention.

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple

Down the street from the Hindu temple mentioned yesterday you find the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple which contrary to the former is probably the newest temple in town. It was founded in 2002 and was only open a few months back. It is dedicated to the Maitreya Buddha, which means 'The Compassionate One' also called 'The Future Buddha'. In its short lifespan it has already become one of the great sights not to be missed on any tourist itinerary.