Feng Shui's Double Blessings

I have always believed that Laughing Buddha (Maitreya or Hotei, as he is referred to in Chinese and Japanese) and Lord Ganesha (Sidhivinayaka, as he is referred to in India) represent the same attributes. This is why when I saw the idol of the Lord Ganesha at one of the offices of Tata (along with large framed pictures of Jamsehdji Tata and JRD Tata on the walls) I suggested an idol of Laughing Buddha next to Lord Ganesha. It was the same when I saw the idol of Lord Ganesha at one of the offices of Birla (along with large framed pictures of B.K. Birla and Aditya Birla on the walls) I suggested an idol of Laughing Buddha next to Lord Ganesha.
Needless to say that Tatas and Birlas, along with Ambanis, are to India what Rockefellers and Waltans are to America.
I see several similarities in the two, Lord Ganesha and Laughing Buddha.

Belly of Laughing Buddha and stomach of Lord Ganesha

The first thing we notice about the two is their large, fat stomachs. In fact, it is believed that if one rubs the belly of Buddha, it brings good luck and wealth. While there is no such belief associated with Lord Ganesha, his very presence is supposed to bring good luck and wealth. The belly, in both, represents prosperity.
There are seven postures of Laughing Buddha.
Bu Dai Fo, Zi Zai Fo, Na Fu Fo, Ju Bao Fo, Zhao Cai Fo, Ru Yi Fo and Xiao Yao Fo.
Some time he is seen sitting on a cart drawn by boys or wielding oogi (a wish granting fan).
The Gold nugget symbolizes Financial and Monetary Fulfillment. The Mantra beads in his his right hand pray for your safety and good health when you are away.
Seated posture = Enjoyment of success and benefits of one’s own hard work.
Buddha with Children protects the laughter of children in a home and considered Lucky for the newly married couples wanting children. He is the Guardian of the young and innocents.
Gourd or Wu Lou in his hand contains the elixir of infinite health.
The Bag on his shoulder or the big sack he is lugging contains unlimited supply of gold and other surprises. There are eight Ganesh. Called Ashtavinaykas these are eight temples in Maharashtra namely Morgaon, Theoor, Pali, Mahad, Lenyadri, Ozar, Ranjangaon and Siddhatek, five of them being in Pune district alone. Lord Ganesha and Laughing Buddha, both, have big heads symbolic of thinking big and having great ideas. The large ears of the two listen more, acquire more information imbibe and pass on the wisdom.
The stories about how luck follows the idols or paintings of Laughing Buddha or Lord Ganesha are legends.
What I have done is to double the luck factor…
With Laughing Buddha and Lord Ganesha in the same painting. I call it the Double Blessings. In fact, I have written the horizontal Sanskrita shloka as well as the vertical Chinese prayer on the same painting while energizing it.

Note: The right of privacy is sacred for me. The names of the people mentioned in the diary are usually changed to protect the identity of my clients. The real names are mentioned with the consent of people mentioned.The picture accompanying the article is only for representational purpose.

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