Hall of Blessings

The Laughing Buddha is central to the Hall of Blessings. A timeless embodiment of good fortune and abundance throughout Chinese culture, he bestows the souls in his care with the path to joy and prosperity in their next life.

To fulfil his sacred mission, the Laughing Buddha is often seen with a number of auspicious symbols, each thoughtfully crafted to help the departed attract success in diverse ways.

Three different monuments of the Laughing Buddha grace the niches here. At the heart of the memorial hall is the Laughing Buddha in his standing pose, depicted as such to welcome each soul with his benevolent presence. He holds a gold ingot, a direct and potent interpretation of wealth.

Another Laughing Buddha monument adorns the facade of each niche. Seated on a lotus pedestal, he holds his iconic treasure bag and the pearl of wisdom. The former, filled with gold ingots, signifies unceasing wealth. The latter, meanwhile, represents profound wisdom. Together, they are a reminder that both material and spiritual fulfilment are key to true abundance.

The translucent nature of this Laughing Buddha monument (along with its frame) allows it to soak up the glow from the bezels of the niche, transforming it into a beacon of pure light and a celestial gateway into the next life for the departed.

Inside the niche, a third Laughing Buddha monument awaits each soul. Here, he holds a Ruyi Sceptre and prayer beads. The Ruyi Sceptre, derived from the Chinese words ‘如’ (ru) and ‘意’ (yi), means ‘as you wish’ and symbolises the attainment of the souls’ aspirations in their next life. To support their journey, the prayer beads empower them to overcome their afflictions.