Maitreya

CLASSIFICATION:

Buddha

Maitreya, Buddha of the Future, the essence of love and compassion will be the successor to our Buddha Shakyamuni. (Maitreya will be Buddha number five.) Until then, he provides instruction at his celestial home. As with other messianic figures, over the centuries many have claimed to be Maitreya, but his estimated arrival on Earth is circa 100,000 CE. His name derives from a root word indicating “loving kindness”.

ICONOGRAPHY:

Maitreya is portrayed as a Bodhisattva; he holds a vessel containing the elixir of immortality.

ATTRIBUTE:

Golden stupa (a mound-shaped reliquary, symbolic of enlightenment)

SEE ALSO:

Amida; Bodhisattva; Buddha; Ma Gu

SOURCE:

Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses– Written by :Judika Illes Copyright © 2009 by Judika Illes.