彌勒真彌勒，化身千百億，時時示時人，世人自不識，彌勒祖師的慈心，無能勝的深廣，所以歷古以來，十方諸佛未成辦的大事因緣，盡在此會時，由　彌勒祖師掌盤承擔，統籌成辦！到底憑什麼大能力　彌勒祖師具足了歷劫持所成就的「慈心三昧」，依此福慧莊嚴的功德，所以有「天命」來成辦此三曹普度的大事。

經文引據

佛告優波離：「諦聽諦聽！善思念之！如來應正偏知，今於此眾，說彌勒菩薩摩訶薩阿耨多羅三秒三菩提記，此人從今十二年後命終，必得往生兜率陀天上。」佛告優波離：「汝今諦聽！是彌勒菩薩，於未來式，當為眾生作大歸依處，若有歸依彌勒菩薩者，當知是人於無上道得不轉讓。」
世尊記曰：「汝等未來世修福戒，皆當往生彌勒菩薩前，為彌勒菩薩之所攝受。作是觀者，名為正觀；若他觀者，名為邪觀。」

（佛/世尊：釋迦牟尼佛，優波離：十大弟子之一。）

彌勒祖師的一個小動作都可以有很大的意涵在裏頭
例如：「布袋和尚總是背著一個布袋，東西只放入不拿出，世人就問說裡頭放了什麼？問第一次，布袋和尚將布袋放下；
問第二次，布袋和尚將布袋提起」　放下與提起，是要我們放下執著、煩惱等，提起承擔。

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The Happy Fat Buddha: A Representation of Maitreya Buddha’s Blessings

by JPTAN2012Happy 

Happy Fat Buddha or Laughing Buddha, as he is famously called by non-Buddhists, is undoubtedly one of the most famous and recognized image of a Buddha.   He is a future Buddha who’ll replace the existing Historical Buddha which is Gautama Buddha or Sakyamuni (also spelled as Shakyamuni) Buddha. The Happy Fat Buddha or Laughing Buddha is in reality known as the Maitreya Buddha.

A Brief History of Maitreya

by  Lama Thubten Yeshe

Countless eons (eons are the longest portions of geologic time or periods of 1,000,000,000 years)  ago, Maitreya, while making many offerings, took the bodhisattva vows from the Tusita Heaven in the presence of many other Buddhas. From that moment on, he has guided countless sentient beings along the path...more

Buddhist scriptures states that we are currently under the ‘era’ of Sakyamuni Buddha, which is the fourth Buddha to have appeared on earth, there have been 3 others before him. It is said that his arrival will be at the time of the low point of human existence. He will come at a time where in mankind has forgotten about the Dharma (Buddhist teachings). This is not totally impossible because as shown in what is happening in Tibet, under the rule of China, the original Dharma is being purged and destroyed, albeit with extreme resistance from Tibetans and other Buddhists, but unfortunately, still with a lot of success. This answers why even after several recitations of Mantras it is still bound to happen, because it was prophesied in the Buddhist scriptures. In China, Buddhism has really taken a lot of different interpretations that are watered down. Buddhism, as any other religion in China, is closely monitored and censored by the government. Same thing is currently happening in other parts of Asia, such as Myanmar.

Going back to Maitreya Buddha or Happy Fat Buddha as he is normally called, is said to come when mankind is in need to be reminded of the Dharma. At present Maitreya Buddha is at present said to be living in Tusita Heaven, a celestial place where celestial Bodhisattvas are said to reside. In Tusita Heaven, it is said in the Buddhist scriptures, Maitreya Buddha constantly recites mantras and sutras for us. He also continuously gets lessons in preparation for his coming to earth where he’ll achieve enlightenment within 7 days and become a Buddha so that he can impart to us the Dharma.

Typically pictured seated on a throne either cross legged or feet flat on the floor, signifying that he’s waiting for his time, Maitreya is originally pictured as a slim, handsome prince. He is also usually dressed as a Indian royalty (India being the origin of Buddhism). As representation of him being a Bodhisattva, it is not uncommon to see that he is also adorned with jewels. A Khata (a traditional ceremonial scarf) is usually tied around his waist much like a belt.

The idea of him pictured as a Happy Fat Buddha came about of what he represents. The Maitreya Buddha represents wealth, health, love, happiness or joy, success, peace, and harmony. In short, he represents what each person aspires for.

There are several stories as to why the image of Maitreya Buddha became that of the Happy Fat Buddha or Laughing Buddha. In fact, Maitreya is derived from Maitri which means Loving Kindness.

One of the story states that the image of the Happy Fat Buddha came about because of the Chinese buddhist monk named Budai. Budai either claimed or people saw in him the qualities of Maitreya Buddha (the written history about this are not clear) that when he passed away people started using his image as the image of Maitreya Buddha.

Another story claims that Maitreya one day visited earth to share the sutras, however, all the women are unable to absorb his teachings because all they can see is a very handsome young prince and they fell in-love with him. Seeing that his image causes women to be distracted he transformed himself to a fat bald man.

Placing the image of Maitreya Buddha, either as the handsome young prince or as the Happy Fat Buddha or Laughing Buddha helps generate his blessings of happiness, harmony, love, peace, wealth, good health, etc.  Also this particular image also gives a psychological effect for all those who see it. It reminds us to be happy, it reminds us to become positive, and at the very least, because of how he looks as the Happy Fat Buddha, it creates an atmosphere of happiness and harmony.