On one of my walks a few weeks ago, I passed a small collection of sand sculptures. Guarding the sculptures was an extremely rotund man sitting in a sturdy beach chair under a large bright beach umbrella.
The works were nice but nothing exceptional and the few coins in the donations box were an indication that I wasn’t alone in my assessment. We shared “holas” and I continued my walk.
I thought, ‘What the artist should do is create a large sculpture of the Laughing Buddha* and then “the guardian” should sit right next to it for pictures. I’ll bet that little cardboard box would be constantly filled.’
Later that day, I told San Geraldo about my Laughing Buddha idea.
Well, Friday, on my way to the doctor, I passed that same spot. There was my rotund friend sitting contentedly next to Laughing Buddha. The artist (click here for an example of his earlier work) must have read my mind. People were lining up to take pictures and the donations box was filled with coins. I would probably take it a step further and dress the guardian in Laughing Buddha’s robes, and give him the traditional prayer beads and cloth sack. Imagine the photo opportunities.
It’s thought that rubbing Laughing Buddha’s belly will bring you wealth, good luck, and prosperity. Rubbing a sand-made Laughing Buddha wouldn’t be very practical. I wonder if they’ve considered belly rubs of the guardian… for an additional fee, of course.
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| LIVING ART. (CLICK TO ENLARGE.) |
I am not sure if I should take the Buddha seriously or not. The sand sculpture looks remarkably like its guard.
Andrew:
I've seen much better "Laughing Buddha" sand sculptures. And I think this one was modeled on the face of the guard. But you don't need to worry about taking the Buddha seriously. He's the laughing one who takes everything with a smile.
Great minds think alike!
Maybe in a day or so the 'guardian' will be charging for little rub, Mitch!!
Jim:
The "guardian" (I probably should ask his name) is a really nice guy and, obviously, a very good sport.
Quite the self-portrait!
Carole:
He's the "minder," not the artist. But it's quite the portrait.
I remember a laughing buddha in my grandfather's office; this is when I first heard of rubbing his stomach for good luck. Later I learned the Chinese thought the seat of human intelligence was in the abdomen (not the head). I think this more sense then to rub the belly.
Spo:
San Geraldo and I both had Laughing Buddha statues when we met. Mine was wood and his was ceramic. They were two of the items brought to Goodwill before we left California. I've never heard about human intelligence being in one's abdomen.
aye, the Chinese once thought so.
Looks like a little piece of heaven for any gay chubby-chasers. (Heaven? 'Nirvana' might be closer the mark)
Raybeard:
Yep, Nirvana…
That is awesome! You see the kewlest things there.
Stew:
There's always something new and, given the climate, it's usually under the sun.
A wonderful resemblance.
Stephen:
Not bad.
Hmmm, I really doubt the guy posing with the Laughing Buddha is physically capable of having sculpting it. Maybe he has his kids do it?
Ms. Sparrow:
He's not the sculptor. The sculptor is the guy who did the crocodiles (and others) at the start of season. This guy is the guard. The artists pay people to sit and protect their works from drunks, kids, etc.