Bodhisattva Maitreya: The Next Buddha

Bodhisattva Maitreya is prophesied by the Buddha to be the next buddha in a future age. After all dharma has left the world, Maitreya will attain enlightenment and bring the dharma of liberation again to our world.

Summary: Bodhisattva Maitreya

Entity Knowledge Graph for Bodhisattva Maitreya

Central Entity: Bodhisattva Maitreya

Attributes:

Name: Maitreya
Alternative Names: Metteyya, Ajita, the Universal Donor
Birthplace: Tushita Heaven
Birthparents: King Sushantiga and Queen Ratnaprabhă
Buddhahood: Future Buddha, prophesied to succeed Śākyamuni Buddha

Relationships:

Teacher: Śākyamuni Buddha
Students: The Maitreya Vyākhyāna Sūtra suggests that Maitreya will have a large assembly of monks and nuns, including Vasubandhu and Ānandabhadra
Upcoming Buddhahood: Succeeds Śākyamuni Buddha as the Buddha of the Dvaita-yuga or two-fold age (the age of the Law and the age of the Image)
Buddha-fields: Maitreya is prophesied to achieve enlightenment under a nāga (serpent) tree in the future, and is often depicted in Buddhist art seated on a throne supported by nāgas
Bodhisattva Vows: Maitreya has made several bodhisattva vows, including the vow to liberate all sentient beings and to establish a pure land where all beings will be free from suffering

Events:

Birth: Maitreya is predicted to be born into a wealthy Brahmin family in India in the future
Renunciation: Maitreya is prophesied to renounce worldly life and become a monk at the age of 24
Enlightenment: Maitreya is prophesied to achieve enlightenment under a nāga tree in the future
Dharma: Maitreya is expected to teach the Dharma for countless eons, guiding countless beings to enlightenment

Texts:

Maitreya Vyākhyāna Sūtra: This Mahayana sutra describes Maitreya’s life and teachings
Maitreya Saṃhita: This Mahayana scripture provides an account of Maitreya’s future Buddhahood
Mahāvyutpatti: This Sanskrit lexicon includes a list of Maitreya’s alternative names

Artwork:

Maitreya in Art: Maitreya is often depicted in Buddhist art as a young, handsome bodhisattva seated on a throne supported by nāgas. He is typically shown with a serene expression and his right hand raised in abhaya mudra (the gesture of reassurance).

Cultural Impact:

Maitreya as the Messiah: In some Buddhist traditions, Maitreya is seen as the future messiah who will save the world from suffering and bring about a golden age of peace and prosperity.
Maitreya Temples: Temples dedicated to Maitreya are found in Buddhist countries around the world.
Maitreya Festivals: Some Buddhist traditions celebrate festivals dedicated to Maitreya, often involving prayers, offerings, and chanting.

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Maitreya Meaning

Maitreya” is a name that originates from Sanskrit, and it translates to “benevolent” or “friendly”. In Buddhist tradition, Maitreya is a future Buddha who is expected to appear on Earth, achieve complete enlightenment, and teach the pure Dharma.

The prophecy of the arrival of Maitreya references a time when the Dharma will be forgotten on Earth. Maitreya is often represented in art and is regarded as a symbol of hope for the future. This name/term is often used in Buddhism, Hinduism and also in some new religious movements.

When Will Maitreya Buddha Come

The anticipation of Maitreya Buddha’s arrival is woven into the fabric of Buddhist teachings. Maitreya, known as the Future Buddha, is foretold to come in a distant future, succeeding the historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama.

The exact timing of Maitreya’s appearance remains a subject of speculation and contemplation within Buddhist traditions. Various sutras and prophecies offer glimpses into the virtues Maitreya will embody and the transformative era he is destined to usher in.

Maitreya prophecies

Maitreya prophecies refer to a series of predictions related to the future coming of a spiritual leader named Maitreya in several religions, including Buddhism, Hinduism, and theosophy. These prophecies are based on religious texts and teachings, and they have been interpreted in various ways by different religious groups.

1. Buddhism: In Buddhism, Maitreya is believed to be a future Buddha who will achieve complete enlightenment and teach the pure dharma. According to Buddhist scriptures, Maitreya will be a successor to the present Buddha, Gautama Buddha. The prophecy states that Maitreya will be born in a time when the dharma has been forgotten, and he will rediscover and preach it anew. The coming of Maitreya is associated with the future era of peace and prosperity.

2. Hinduism: In Hindu scriptures, particularly the Bhagavata Purana, Maitreya is a sage who converses with the god Krishna. However, there aren’t any explicit prophecies about Maitreya being a future leader or savior in Hinduism as there are in Buddhism.

3. Theosophy: Theosophy, a spiritual movement established in the late 19th century, also contains prophecies about a Maitreya. These prophecies were primarily promoted by Benjamin Creme, a British artist and esotericist. According to Creme, Maitreya is the “World Teacher” for the coming Age of Aquarius, who will inspire humanity to create a new era of global cooperation and peace.

4. New Age Movements: Some New Age movements also predict the coming of Maitreya as a Christ-like figure who will usher in a new age of peace and understanding.

5. Share International: This is a new religious movement founded by Benjamin Creme, which claims that Maitreya is already present in the world, but is waiting for a time when people are ready to receive his teachings.

All these prophecies about Maitreya share a common theme of a future period of peace and enlightenment. However, they differ in details like Maitreya’s identity, his teachings, and the time of his arrival.

Bodhisattva Maitreya Gandhara

The term “Bodhisattva Maitreya Gandhara” refers to the representation of the future Buddha, Maitreya, in the Gandhara art style.

Bodhisattva refers to an enlightened being in Buddhism who has chosen to postpone their own nirvana in order to help others achieve enlightenment. Maitreya is a figure in Buddhist eschatology, believed to be a future Buddha that will eventually appear on Earth, achieve complete enlightenment, and teach the pure dharma (the teachings of the Buddha).

Gandhara, on the other hand, refers to an ancient region in the northern part of modern-day Pakistan and Afghanistan. The Gandhara art style was prevalent in this region, particularly between the 1st and 7th centuries CE. It is known for its blend of Greco-Roman and Indian artistic influences. The representations of Bodhisattva Maitreya in this style often show him as a princely figure in Hellenistic attire, which deviated from the traditional Indian depictions.

Therefore, when we talk about Bodhisattva Maitreya Gandhara, we are referring to depictions of the future Buddha Maitreya in the distinct Gandhara art style, reflecting a blend of eastern and western artistic traditions. These representations are often found in the form of sculptures and are significant in the study of Buddhist iconography and the cultural exchanges along the Silk Road.

The artistic representation of Bodhisattva Maitreya in the Gandhara region holds a significant place in the history of Buddhist art. Gandhara, located in present-day Pakistan and Afghanistan, flourished as a center of Buddhist culture. The depictions of Maitreya from Gandhara showcase distinctive features, blending Hellenistic and Indian artistic influences. These sculptures often portray Maitreya in a regal posture, reflecting the fusion of cultural elements in this ancient artistic tradition.

Maitreya Jesus

The intersection of religious narratives often sparks intriguing discussions, and the concept of Maitreya Buddha is no exception. Some comparative studies draw parallels between Maitreya and figures in other religious traditions, including Jesus in Christianity. While there are similarities in the idea of a future savior, it’s crucial to approach such comparisons with respect for the distinct teachings and contexts of each tradition.

Bodhisattva Maitreya Sculpture

Artistic expressions of Bodhisattva Maitreya take diverse forms, with sculptures being a prominent medium. These sculptures capture the essence of Maitreya’s compassionate presence, often depicting him in a standing or seated posture. The symbolism imbued in these sculptures reflects the qualities associated with Maitreya, such as boundless compassion and a commitment to guide sentient beings towards enlightenment.

Standing Bodhisattva Maitreya

One prevalent depiction of Maitreya is in a standing posture, symbolizing readiness to come to the aid of beings in the future. The standing Bodhisattva Maitreya often holds attributes like a vase, symbolizing the abundance of wisdom and compassion he will share with the world. This representation embodies the dynamic and active nature of Maitreya’s compassionate response to the needs of sentient beings.

When Will Maitreya Be Born

The question of when Maitreya will be born remains a source of contemplation and speculation. Buddhist teachings suggest that Maitreya will appear in a world where the Dharma has declined, bringing a renewal of spiritual teachings and practices. The timing of Maitreya’s birth is intricately connected to the cosmic cycles of existence, emphasizing the cyclical nature of birth, death, and enlightenment.

Maitreya Buddha Temple

The anticipation of Maitreya’s arrival is manifested in the construction and dedication of Maitreya Buddha temples. These temples serve as spaces of reverence and contemplation, where devotees express their hope and aspiration for Maitreya’s future appearance. Such temples often house statues or images of Maitreya, inviting practitioners to connect with the compassionate energy associated with the Future Buddha.

Maitreya Meaning

The name “Maitreya” holds profound meaning in the Buddhist context. Derived from the Sanskrit word “maitri,” meaning loving-kindness or friendliness, Maitreya embodies the spirit of universal compassion. The very essence of Maitreya’s existence is rooted in the altruistic intention to guide all sentient beings towards the path of enlightenment, fostering a sense of unity and interconnectedness.

In conclusion, the concept of Bodhisattva Maitreya permeates Buddhist teachings with the promise of a future enlightened being. The anticipation of Maitreya’s arrival is not merely a chronological prediction but a symbolic representation of the potential for awakening within each individual. Whether contemplated through Gandharan sculptures, discussed in comparative religious studies, or envisioned in the standing Bodhisattva form, Maitreya serves as an inspiration for cultivating compassion, wisdom, and the aspiration for a more enlightened world. The essence of Maitreya’s teachings transcends time, inviting practitioners to embody the spirit of loving-kindness and altruism on their own paths to enlightenment.

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