BUDDHA, MAITREYA

Maitreya is the name given to the future Buddha who is  expected to come in the next aeon. Generally found sitting on a seat of lotus flowers, or in the standing position, it is believed that he will come to this world in his mortal form once again to turn the wheel of the Buddhist doctrine in order to save humanity from destruction.  Maitreya Buddha is expected to come to earth from Tushita Heaven. He is supposed to be passing the life of a Bodhisatwa in the Tushita Heaven preparatory to this descent to earth in Human form. It is said that he will come to earth after 4000 years from the date of disappearance of Gautam Buddha for the deliverance of all sentient beings. He is the only Bodhisatwa who is worshipped by the followers of both Hinayana and Mahayana Buddhism.

Maitreya may be represented as a standing figure adorned with rich ornaments and holding a stalk of lotus flowers in his right hand. Sometime he is shown in sitting with legs either interlocked or dangling down.