The Buddha of the Future – Maitreya
Maitreya (Main figure)
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(Top to bottom): Maitreya and Dorje Shugden
Deity: Maitreya (Sanskrit)
Alternative names: Jampa (Tibetan); Ajita (Sanskrit)
Maitreya’s name literally means ‘Great Love’ in the ancient Indian language of Sanskrit. He is currently a crowned bodhisattva residing in Tushita pure realm, awaiting his time to take rebirth on earth to become the future Buddha. Once reborn, he will sit under a sacred tree and achieve complete and perfect Enlightenment like his predecessor, Buddha Shakyamuni. By that time, Buddha Shakyamuni’s teachings will have disappeared and the world will be engulfed in a dark age, as it will be devoid of true Dharma.
Thereafter, Maitreya will go on to perform the 12 great deeds of a fully enlightened Buddha. One of the major deeds he is to perform is the turning of the Wheel of Dharma, which means that he will give teachings and re-establish the fortunate era of Buddhadharma. It is said in the scriptures that Maitreya will be the fifth Buddha to do this during this great eon, while Buddha Shakyamuni was the fourth Buddha. According to prophecy, Maitreya will become Shakyamuni’s successor but unlike his predecessor, Buddha Maitreya will only teach the path of sutra. This means that he will not give teachings on tantra.
It is said that Maitreya also manifested as one of the Eight Great Bodhisattva Disciples of Buddha Shakyamuni. The great Indian master Asanga is said to have received visions of the Bodhisattva Maitreya and was transported to Tushita in order to receive teachings directly from him. The Indian master went on to pen down these incredible teachings into what is known as the “Five Treatises” by Maitreya. From these texts arose the Method lineage of the Lamrim (or the Stages on the Path to Enlightenment).
It is said that Lama Tsongkhapa and Atisha are currently residing in Tushita as part of the retinue of Maitreya. Hence, those who engage in Lama Tsongkhapa’s Guru Yoga (Gaden Lhagyama) create the causes to be reborn in Tushita amongst the retinue of Maitreya. Some lamas like Domo Geshe Rinpoche purposely install large icons of Maitreya in monasteries and temples to create the causes for sentient beings to be reborn amongst the retinue of Maitreya.
Deity: Dorje Shugden (Tibetan)
Alternative name: Vajra Rudra (Sanskrit)
Dorje Shugden is an emanation of the Buddha of Wisdom, Manjushri. He took the form of a Dharma Protector in order to safeguard the Buddha’s teachings, especially the important teachings on the Middle Way view. Reminiscent of Manjushri’s form, Dorje Shugden carries a meandering sword and rides a snowlion that represents the fearlessness of a fully enlightened Buddha. Thus, he has great strength to overcome obstacles of the body, speech and mind, and create suitable conditions for our spiritual practice to flourish. Furthermore, he carries a jewel-spitting mongoose and a vajra hook to symbolise that he has the tremendous ability to bestow wealth and resources.
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In Buddhist tradition, Maitreya the future Buddha,who will achieve complete
enlightenment, and teach the pure dharma. According to scriptures, Maitreya will be a successor to the present Buddha, Gautama Buddha, presently a bodhisattva residing in the Tushita heaven. Maitreya will appear as the fifth universal Buddha of this world age and turn the wheel of Dharma for the benefit of all. Depicted with Dorje Shugden who is an emanation of the Buddha of Wisdom in this beautiful art painting thangka. Merely looking at this thangka is a blessing.
Thank you for this sharing. May the artist continue with his good work.
Maitreya is a transcendent bodhisattva who will be the universal Buddha in a future age. Beautiful art painting of Maitreya the future Buddha and the Powerful Dorje Shugden.
Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing.