Bhodhisattvas are Buddhists who seek to achieve Buddhahood. The Sanskrit term Bhodhi means “enlightenment”, they are depicted as humble people and are compassionate, wise, and self-sacrificing. In Buddhist tradition, Maitreya is the future Buddha currently a bhodhisattva living in the Tushita heaven.
The name Maitreya originated from the Sanskrit word “maître” meaning “friendship or loving-kindness”. The arrival of Maitreya is not specifically mentioned in anywhere. But it is assumed that he will dive to the earth to preach a new form of Dharma after declining the teachings of Gautama Buddha.
Maitreya in Buddhist Texts
In the Buddhist scriptures, Maitreya is a prominent Buddha figure and he is represented as a bodhisattva who will finally obtain enlightenment and preach Dharma. The Pali canon enumerates Maitreya and emphasis on his role is found in Mahayana sutras.
In the Pali form of Maitreya is “Metteyya” and it is mentioned in the Cakkavatti – Sihanada Sutta of Pali Canon. It emphasizes that the future role of Maitreya is less prominent when compared to Mahayana Buddhism. Metteyya is depicted in the 28 chapters of Buddhavamsa.
Mahayana Buddhism appeared later than Theravada and holds a strong emphasis on the role of Maitreya and the path of Bodhisattva. Some key Mahayana sutras such as Lotus Sutra, Avatamsaka, and Five Treatises of Maitreya provide detailed accounts and teachings about Maitreya.
Maitreya lives and Teachings
It is assumed that Maitreya will be born in the time of severe distress, calamity and the decline of the historical teachings of Gautama Buddha. According to the predictions, Maitreya’s father will be a compassionate Brahmin and mother Queen Youthful-looking one. It states that the time before the arrival of Maitreya is symbolized as the period of suffering and darkness.
Teachings of Maitreya
- Re-building Dharma: The teachings of Maitreya are similar to those of Gautama Buddha. The cores focus on re-building Buddha’s Dharma on earth.
- Universal Love and Compassion: Maitreya’s teaching expected to emphasis more on universal love and kindness. He is known for his endless compassion and joy.
- Symbolism: Maitreya is depicted as a symbol of purity and enlightenment and illustrates his mission to spread and preach Dharma to all human beings.
- Importance of Love: The importance of love is the teaching of Maitreya. It is clearly found in his name “Maitreya” which means love. And well known for his exceptional practice and meditation on love, and it will lead to the time of less need for severe practice.
- Five Treatises: The Five Treatises provides accounts about Maitreya which are profound and vast instructions. It is transferred to the Master Asanga in the realm of Tusita.
Maitreya Bodhisattva is considered the future Buddha and he will play a pivotal role by preaching Dharma to all. Through teaching the doctrine of universal love, Maitreya helps to lead the world to goodness and peace. It is stated that moving the path to Maitreya will help to improve the world by spreading love and kindness. And his teachings followed the way for beginning a new era that emphasis Dharma and humanity. Maitreya play a key role in the Mahayana Buddhist concept of Three Fold Training which are Sila, Samadhi, and Prajna.
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Iconography and Artistic Representations
The future Buddha, Maitreya is mentioned as a prince adorned with beautiful jewelry and holding a lotus on his crown by standing or seated. Here is a detailed way of his iconography and artistic representation
- His position either Standing or Seated: Maitreya is mentioned in a standing position or seated in a meditative position by dangling down the legs.
- Princely Figure: Maitreya is described as a North Indian prince adorned with beautiful jewels.
- Stupa on the Crown: One of the unique features is Maitreya is renewed by a small Stupa on his crown.
- Water Flask: Another important peculiarity is water flask. It symbolizes fertility, wealth, immortality, and life.
- Mudras: Maitreya’s hand indicates different mudras such as “Vitarka mudra” or the “Abhaya mudra.” Abhaya mudra means posture of reassurance and Vitarka mudra means posture of teachings.
- Pensive Posture: Some paintings represent him sitting with one leg fold over the other. It symbolizes his return to earth.
- Deer Skin: In some depictions, on his left shoulder a deer skin is hanging.
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Pensive Maitreya
Pensive Maitreya is distinguished by a thoughtful posture with one leg folded over the other. His hand placed on the cheek represents a deep meditation and reflection.
Laughing Buddha
On the basis of the historical Chinese monk Budai, Laughing Buddha is well known for his jovial nature and wandering lifestyle. Laughing Buddha is related with Maitreya and his image represents a smiling monk, is a famous symbol of delight and abundance.
Misconception
It is assumed that the laughing Buddha is an easily recognizable image leads to the assumption that Maitreya is mentioned as the laughing Buddha. Although pensive Maitreya is a sensible and important depiction of future Buddha.
Statues and Paintings of Maitreya
Various statues of Maitreya are found in different parts of the world. Here the following are the notable statues of Maitreya.
- Diskit Monastery: A large statue of Maitreya is found on the top of Diskit Monastery, one of the eminent features in the Nubra Valley. It is considered a notable feature of Ladakh.
- Thikse Monastery: In the Thikse Monastery, a 15 meter Maitreya statue is located.
- Metropolitan Museum of Art: Gilt – Bronze statue is considered the largest early gilt-bronze Chinese sculpture.
Maitreya Bodhisattva is known for its famous paintings. Let’s discuss it briefly:
- Chinese Buddhist Art: Maitreya is mentioned as a standing figure, wearing a cloth and holding a lotus flower.
- Tibetan Thangkas: In this art, Maitreya is sitting on the throne by wearing ornaments, and a crown.
- Dunhuang Manuscripts: It is a collection of artworks and ancient Buddhist text describing Maitreya Bhodhisattva.
- Japanese Buddhist Art: It is the depiction of Maitreya as a standing posture by holding lotus flower.
Influence on Leaders and Historical Movements
Empress Wu Zetian, a female emperor in China used the narratives of Maitreya to legitimize her rule. She indicates herself as the incarnation of Maitreya Buddha, who will guide in a golden age and called himself as Emperor Shengshe, or “the Holy Spirit.” Someone states that Wu Zetian followed a political tradition called Maitreya Buddharaja tradition. Maitreya prophecy is used by Buddhist sects and movements in various ways like as a source of hope and prophecy, as the formation of new sects and movements, as social and political context etc…
Political and Religious Influences in Asia
Maitreya Bhodhisattva considered the Future Buddha exerted a deep political and religious influence in Asia, mainly in China, where his teleological beliefs influenced various religious movements and rebellions. In China, his beliefs inspired a lot of political rebellions. Maitreya’s beliefs were adopted by other Chinese religions. His concepts played a key role in the political movements in Asia particularly among the leaders.
Conclusion
Pointing to all the above mentions, it is assumed that Maitreyan Bodhisattva will play a crucial role in the world by preaching Dharma, universal love, and kindness. And follow the Hidden Mantra to attain more knowledge. Hidden Mantra provides a place to develop your knowledge with various contents like Yoga, Buddhism, Spirituality, etc…
