Laughing Buddha Photo

Photographer’s Note

Near Hangzhou, opposite to the Lingyin Temple there are many rock-carvings of Buddhas at Feilaifeng (飞来峰 "the peak that flew hither"). The peak is so-named because it consists of limestone, giving it a craggy appearance very different to the surrounding mountains. Legend holds that the peak was originally from India but flew to Hangzhou overnight as a demonstration of the omnipotence of Buddhist law.
The laughing Buddha - or happy Buddha - as seen on the picture is a form of Bodhisatva Maitreya, the coming Buddha (in chinese Milefo 彌勒佛)

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Critiques | Translate

dragonslayero (3106) 2007-02-21 18:16

Hello Roland

Ok time to update.
Not being of Asian origin I find these type of religious statues very interesting.
As for this photo I think it works great. Attention is placed perfectly on the statue and with a great neutral framing.
Maybe the finished result is a bit bright, but none the less a good one.
Thank you for sharing.

Odd Jarle

UnTrained (0) 2007-02-22 1:55

Hallo Roland,
"Dein" Buddha ist gut ausgeleuchtet und kommt so ganz entspannt rüber. Ich mag diese Grauabstufungen und feinen Texturen im Gestein.
Lieben Gruss, Ulf

drweizy (333) 2008-05-31 7:43

The Maitreya Buddha is bellied, and like laughing. How magnanimous the Buddha is!
Chinese Buddhism has its origin in ancient India, but more flourishing in ancient China, Buddhist culture had become a part of Chinese culture.
Many people like Maitreya, Maitreya Buddha statues can be seen in many places. TFS