Phra Sangkajai or Laughing Buddha, Happy Buddha can be traced back to the Bodhisattva Maitreya, the Buddha that is predicted to succeed Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. The names Smiling, Fat, Laughing or Happy Buddha are just Western nomenclature. History records that his influence has been tremendous in Asia. Buddhism, Taoism and Zen Buddhism have all embraced the Happy Buddha as the embodiment of happiness and prosperity. His influence can be felt in China and Japan, and other countries where Buddhism and Taoism have taken root, such as Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand.