Maitreya Buddha

Maitreya Buddha

Maitreya is a transcendent Bodhisattva named the universal Buddha of a future time. The name is taken from the Sanskrit Maitri (in Pali, Metta), which means “loving-kindness”. In Mahayana Buddhism, Maitreya is the embodiment of all-encompassing love.

Maitreya is depicted in Buddhist art in many ways. “Classical” portrayals often show him seated, as in a chair, with his feet on the ground. He is also portrayed standing. As a Bodhisattva he dresses as royalty; as a Buddha, he dresses as a monk. He is said to reside in the Tushita heaven, which is part of the Deva Realm of the Kamadhatu (Desire Realm, which is the world depicted in the Bhavachakra).

In China, Maitreya is identified as the “Laughing Buddha”, Pu-Tai, who is the fat, jolly portrayal of Buddha that emerged from 10th-century Chinese folklore.

There are different representations of Maitreya with different poses and gestures.

In the Thangka painting, Maitreya is seated above a throne in the most common position with the legs extended and both feet on the ground. His skin is yellow-gold color and his two hands are placed in front of his heart performing the dharma teaching Mudra.

He holds the stems of two Utpala (blue lotus) flowers blossoming and supporting on the right a water flask and on the left a dharma wheel.

Maitreya has adorned with several jewels: a crown, earrings, necklaces, bracelets and he wears silk scarves and colorful robes with gold decors.