Milefo

Gatehouse, Bai Ta Si (Miaoying Temple), Beijing

The ubiquitous Laughing Buddha named Milefo (China) or Hotei (Japan) is an incarnation of Maitreya who brings happiness and good fortune to his followers. This popular deity is based on a Zen monk, named Budai or Chang Dingzi, who flourished during the Liang Dynasty (907-923).

A sculpture of Milefo at Bai Ta Si is placed inside the gatehouse (closeup).