What is Pu tai?

Pu Tai, also known as Budai or the "Laughing Buddha," is a figure in Chinese folklore often associated with happiness, contentment, and abundance. He is depicted as a jovial, rotund monk with a big smile and a sack, from which he is said to dispense good fortune and blessings. Pu Tai represents the ideals of simplicity and joy, embodying the belief that true happiness comes from within rather than material possessions. He is commonly found in Buddhist and Taoist traditions and is a popular symbol in various cultures, often regarded as a bringer of good luck.