Material: Bloodstone, original stone shaping and carving

Size: 21 x 18 cm approx.

Narrative:

Maitreya is one of the most important Bodhisattvas in Buddhism. His name literally means "Compassionate One", which symbolizes compassion and joy. The following is an overview of the story and origin of Maitreya Buddha:

The Origin of Maitreya Buddha

The name of Maitreya Buddha comes from the Sanskrit word "Maitreya", which means loving-kindness. According to Buddhist scriptures, Maitreya Buddha is the successor of Sakyamuni Buddha. He will be born into the world in the future to become a Buddha and save the world. Maitreya Buddha currently resides in the inner court of Tushita Heaven, teaching sentient beings as a bodhisattva.

The Story of Maitreya Buddha

The story of Maitreya Buddha's previous life is full of compassion and wisdom. According to the Sutra on the Reasons Why the All-Knowing and Bright Immortal Refrained from Eating Meat out of Compassion, Maitreya Buddha was a son of a Brahmin in his previous life, and his name was All-Knowing and Bright Immortal. He demonstrated his deep compassion by vowing to practice the Samadhi of Loving-Kindness and not to eat the flesh of living beings. This practitioner later became Maitreya Bodhisattva.

Furthermore, the image of Maitreya Buddha has evolved in different cultures. In India, he is usually portrayed as a solemn Bodhisattva; while in Han areas, Maitreya Buddha is gradually portrayed as a man with a smiling face and bare chest and abdomen. This change originated from the cloth bag monk Qieci during the Later Liang period of the Five Dynasties, who was considered to be the incarnation of Maitreya Buddha.

The Future Mission of Maitreya Buddha

According to the Buddha's prediction, Maitreya Buddha will be born on earth in 5.67 billion years, attain enlightenment under the Nagarjuna tree, and hold three great Dharma assemblies (the Three Nagarjuna Assembly) to save all living beings and fulfill his mission of saving all living beings.

The story of Maitreya Buddha is full of compassion, wisdom and hope, symbolizing the Buddhists' beautiful expectations for the future.

PS: Bloodstone is a precious gemstone, named for its bright red cinnabar (vermilion) stripes, and its appearance is as bright as chicken blood. Here are some detailed information about Bloodstone:

Composition and characteristics of bloodstone

Bloodstone is mainly composed of minerals such as cinnabar, quartz, chalcedony, and contains ingredients such as mercury sulfide. Its red part is called "blood" and the rest is called "earth". The texture and color of bloodstone vary depending on its origin and composition.

The main origin of bloodstone

1. **Changhua Chicken Blood Stone**: Produced in Changhua, Zhejiang, China, it is famous for its bright red color and delicate texture.

2. **Balin Bloodstone**: Produced in Balin Youqi, Inner Mongolia, it has the characteristics of high transparency and high hardness, and is famous as the "Northern Land".

The culture and use of bloodstone

Bloodstone is considered a precious seal material in Chinese culture and is often used in carved artworks. Its bright red color symbolizes good fortune and wealth, so it is deeply loved by collectors and art lovers.

Maintenance of Bloodstone

Bloodstone needs to avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight, otherwise it may cause the color to darken. Usually you can use a thin layer of oil for maintenance and store it in a brocade box to maintain its luster.