| The name Maitreya is derived from the word "Maitri" | | | | In Japanese tradition, Maitreya Buddha is considered |
| from ancient Language called Sanskrit. The Sanskrit | | | | as the mediator in relationships between men and |
| word "Maitri" means, kindness, love, benevolence, | | | | women. In Korean Beliefs, Maitreya Buddha is better |
| friendship, friendliness, goodwill. Therefore, he is also | | | | worshipped as the bestower of children, particularly |
| regarded as the Loving or Friendly One. He is | | | | sons, a protector of sailors. |
| regarded as the protector of the Dharma as well as | | | | In Chinese culture, Maitreya is also know as Laughing |
| a teacher who personally initiates his devotees. | | | | Buddha or Happy Buddha. He is represented as a |
| Maitreya is currently a bodhisattva, one who has | | | | jolly, laughing Buddhist monk. He has a big fat belly |
| vowed not to achieve Nirvana right away even | | | | who carries a hemp bag over his shoulder. He |
| though he has attained certain level of enlightenment. | | | | represents happiness, liveliness and prosperity |
| The main purpose of this is to help people on earth in | | | | Thanks to a Buddhist monk named Chang Dingzi |
| their path to Nirvana and and teach them the | | | | Maitreya Buddha is also known as The Monk with the |
| teaching of Buddha. | | | | Cloth Bag. Though dressed only in thin monk's robes, |
| Maitreya, also known as the future Buddha, is | | | | The Monk could sleep and play on the snow without |
| believed to be residing in Tushita Heaven waiting for | | | | getting wet or cold. He also had the ability to foresee |
| the right time to descend down to the earth. Tushita | | | | the future. |
| heaven is one of the thirty-three heavens. It is | | | | The Monk, Yogi was a wise man, who was better |
| believed to be existing living place of Maitreya. | | | | known as Pu Tai -- 'cloth bag' He carried the large |
| Followers of Tibetan Buddhism believe that if a | | | | bundle of Cloth wherever he went. He was later |
| person chants the holy enchanting "The Promise of | | | | worshipped as the incarnation of Maitreya. |
| Maitreya Buddha" in front of Rupas of Maitreya | | | | Maitreya Buddha Mudra |
| Buddha he will be reincarnated in Tushita Heaven. | | | | Maitreya is seated on a lotus that rests on a throne |
| There is a written statements in ancient Buddhist | | | | base. He holds his hands before his chest in |
| scriptures like Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana | | | | dharmachakra mudra. The Buddha rupa holds a stem |
| that Maitreya will be the successor to Sakyamuni | | | | of a lotus flower in between the thumb and |
| Buddha. He is referred to as the upcoming future | | | | forefinger in his left hand. A wheel of Dharma, in |
| Buddha, predicted to arrive some 2500 years from | | | | sanskrit "Dharma Chakra" is supported by the bloom |
| now. | | | | of this lotus. Traditional Rupas of Maitreya has him |
| Some beliefs regarding Maitreya Buddha in Different | | | | standing, dressed in rich jeweled clothing. |
| Places | | | | |