although i'm not buddhist per se, i do most closely identify with buddhism as a religion. i've been lucky to be exposed to buddhism up close because of my vietnamese-american wife and my travels to vietnam. (i wasn't in the war or anything, we were in spanish class togehter as kids, HHAHA)

There are many different forms of buddhism, just like christianity, judaism, and islam. The dalai lama is only associated with one small sect of buddhism (tibetan), and doesn't exist as a spiritual leader for all, or even most, buddhists. Budai or Hotei (the name adopted by japanese buddhists) is a lucky buddha who brings good fortune. I think he's more steeped in chinese mysticism than anything else but I do love him. I have multiple statues of him around my house and even a tattoo of him! He brings me happiness when I look at him and his permagrin!