Hvashang

Hvashang is one of the two Tibetan additions to the traditional list of sixteen Arhats. He is usually considered the eighteenth Arhat. (Dharmatala is number seventeen.)

Hvashang serves and supports the sixteen Arhats. Unlike them, he was a layperson, not a Buddhist monk. Hvashang is a rotund, cheerful, good-natured spirit often depicted surrounded with children. His image is among those mistaken for the Laughing Buddha.

ORIGIN:

Tibet

CLASSIFICATION:

Arhat

SEE ALSO:

• Arbat
• Buddha
• Dbarmatala
• Hotei

SOURCE:

Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses – Written by : Judika Illes Copyright © 2009 by Judika Illes.

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