Expert: Joe McSorley - 4/3/2007

Question
Many Westerners have a statue of Buddha in their homes and rub the tummy for "good luck". What would be a Buddhist's response to this?

Answer
Hi Frances,
 This is like asking what a Christian's response is to genuflecting or something; it is entirely up to the belief of the particular person you are asking. I have never heard of this practice either in my academic studies or in my years of experience with the Chinese community. I guess this is a harmless superstition like 'knock wood'.  It has nothing to do with actual Buddhism, that is, until some sect writes me to reprimand me for saying that because it's their tradition.
 Take care,
         Joe