Maitreya Buddha: The Buddha Yet to Walk the Earth

What if the next Buddha has not yet come—but his presence is already shaping the future? In Tibet, China, and beyond Buddhist traditions, Maitreya Buddha is whispering with Hope. 

When the world requires the most compassion and clarity, it appears. So, who is this future Buddha? Why does his return matter so much? And what does his story tell about our world today?

Let's explore the meaning and promise behind Maitreya—the Buddha that has not yet walked among us.

Who is Maitreya?

Maitreya, also known as Maitreya Bodhisattva, is considered the Buddha of the future. It is believed that he will land on the earth and resume the pure teachings of religion when they are lost or forgotten. 

His name is derived from the Sanskrit word Maitri, which means loving-kindness, the essence of his being. Unlike Shakyamuni Buddha (Gautama Buddha), who has already arrived and gone, Buddha Maitreya is still a Bodhisattva. The one who has achieved a great spiritual feeling but has postponed the last intellect to help others.

Currently, Maitreya is believed to be in Tushita heaven, which is a celestial region in Buddhist cosmology, patiently waiting for the right moment to be born in the human world.

The Role of Maitreya in Buddhist Cosmology

The Concept of Successive Buddhas

Buddhism teaches that the world goes through chakras in which a Buddha appears, teaches religion, and then the teachings gradually fade in several centuries. When religion disappears, a new Buddha arises to restore the path of enlightenment.

Maitreya Buddha is the next Buddha in this cycle after the historical Buddha Shakyamuni. He currently lives in Tushita heaven—an astronomical region where Bodhisattva prepares the human world before landing.

Tushita Heaven and Maitreya’s Waiting 

According to Buddhist texts, Maitreya is waiting in Tushita heaven, cultivating essential qualities and waiting for situations in the human field that mature to their offspring. This belief inspires hope among practitioners that knowledge and compassion will return to humanity in the future.

Although Maitreya is yet to come to Earth, the scriptures have described his expected biography:

• Birth: Maitreya will be born into a rich and great family.
• Renunciation: He will quickly abandon worldly life to seek enlightenment.
• Enlightenment: Like the previous Buddhas, to get the full Buddha under a Bodhi tree.
• Teaching religion: He will teach pure religion for thousands of years, leading creatures towards liberation.
• Creating a golden age: His era will be marked by peace, prosperity, and spiritual awakening.

Maitreya's descendants symbolize:

• Renewal: Rejuvenation of Buddhist teachings when they have been refused.
• Asha (Belief): Believe that compassion and knowledge will return in dark times.
• Change: Encouragement for physicians now, to cultivate love-daya, embodies the properties of Bodhisattva.

Iconography and Symbolism of Maitreya Buddha

Maitreya’s visual depictions are rich in symbolism, reflecting his divine role and qualities. Here is a detailed breakdown of his common iconography:

Maitreya’s Mantra and Devotional Practices

The Maitreya Mantra is a sacred mantra that is used by many Mahayana Buddhists to connect spiritually with the compassionate energy of Bodhisattva:

"Om Maitri Mahamaitri Maitreya Swaha"

Reciting mantras associated with Maitreya helps to align with its qualities of mercy, patience, and future enlightenment. It is also believed that the chanting of the mantra;

• Increases compassion and patience
• Provides spiritual protection
• Aids in developing love—love in daily life
• Connects doctors with the blessings and knowledge of Maitreya

Devotional practices include:

• Focus on the image of Maitreya
• Reciprocity
• Prayer and symbolic offerings offered in temples
• Making the idols of Maitreya Buddha and reminding them of their future arrival

Maitreya in Thangka Art: A Brief Overview

Maitreya Buddha thangkas are traditional Tibetan Buddhist paintings depicting the future Buddha, known for his compassion and loving-kindness. Typically, Maitreya is shown seated on a lotus throne with feet resting down, symbolizing readiness to teach. His hands often display the Vitarka Mudra (gesture of teaching).

Adorned with a jeweled crown and royal robes, Maitreya’s serene smile radiates warmth and hope. These thangkas serve as powerful meditation aids, helping practitioners cultivate compassion and connect with his blessings. Displaying a Maitreya thangka invites peace, wisdom, and inspiration into one’s spiritual practice.

1. When will Maitreya Buddha come to earth?

Buddhist teachings suggest that Maitreya will come after the disappearance of the existing religion's teachings, possibly millions of years in the future.

2. Does Maitreya separate from other Buddhas?

Maitreya is unique as the future Buddha, who will renew religion and guide in the future era, while others like Shakyamuni Buddha already live and have been taught.

3. Why does Maitreya sit on the ground with feet?

This asana indicates the readiness and desire to stand and teach instead of meditate, an active connection: stand and teach.

4. How can I practice dedication to Maitreya now?

You can meditate on his qualities, chant mantras, study teachings, and cultivate love in daily life.

5. Is Laughing Buddha the same as Buddha Maitreya?

In Chinese culture, the laughing Buddha (Budai) is often seen as an incarnation of Maitreya, but historically they are different figures.

The Lasting Legacy of Maitreya Buddha

Maitreya’s story is not just about the distant future. It’s a present-day inspiration reminding all beings to nurture kindness, patience, and hope. His arrival symbolizes the eternal cycle of spiritual renewal and the unwavering promise that enlightenment is always possible.

Discover the blessings of Maitreya Buddha in your spiritual practice. Bring home an authentic Maitreya Buddha Thangka from Buddha’s Art of Healing. 

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated on Tibetan Buddhist festivals, special days, and more.