Material: Bronze, Cast, Gilded

Size: 20 cm

Description:

In Tibetan Buddhism, the Future Buddha (Tibetan: བྱམས་པ། Jampa, Sanskrit: Maitreya) is a crucial figure. He is considered the bodhisattva who will attain Buddhahood after Shakyamuni Buddha, and is entrusted with the mission of saving sentient beings in the future. His influence and status have profound significance in Tibetan Buddhism. The following describes the origins of his status, influence, and usage:

I. The Status and Influence of the Future Buddha in Tibetan Buddhism

1. Religious Significance:

- The Future Buddha, Maitreya, is considered the next bodhisattva to attain Buddhahood in the human world. He is expected to appear in the future, during the Kalpa of Virtue, when human lifespan reaches its lowest point and then gradually recovers. Maitreya will descend and attain Buddhahood, spreading the Dharma and saving sentient beings.

- In Tibetan Buddhism, Maitreya Bodhisattva symbolizes compassion, wisdom, and hope, representing the brightness and liberation of the future world. His teachings are believed to perpetuate the lifeblood of Buddhism and lead sentient beings out of suffering.

- Maitreya Bodhisattva is often associated with compassion. His name, Maitreya, means "Compassionate One," emphasizing qualities of loving-kindness and tolerance, which have been a significant inspiration for Tibetan Buddhist practice.

2. **Cultural and Artistic Influence**:

- Images of Maitreya Bodhisattva are prevalent in Tibetan Buddhist art, often found in temples, thangkas, and sculptures. He is typically depicted in a seated position (as a future Buddha at enlightenment) or a standing position (as a bodhisattva), wearing a crown or tiara and holding a Dharma instrument such as a water vase or a Dharma wheel, symbolizing wisdom and compassion.

- In Tibetan monasteries, Maitreya Buddha statues are often enshrined in prominent locations, such as at the entrance to a main hall, symbolizing the welcoming of a bright future. For example, both the Potala Palace in Lhasa and Samye Monastery house important Maitreya Buddha statues. The worship of Maitreya Bodhisattva has also influenced Tibetan Buddhist festivals and rituals. For example, some monasteries hold Maitreya-related ceremonies on specific holidays (such as the Tibetan New Year or Maitreya Festival) to pray for future world peace and prosperity.

3. **Status in Practice**:

- Tibetan Buddhists view Maitreya Bodhisattva as a role model for practice, particularly in cultivating loving-kindness and bodhicitta. Many practitioners aim for Maitreya's compassionate spirit, vowing to practice with him upon his attainment of Buddhahood.

- In Tibetan Tantric practice, Maitreya Bodhisattva is sometimes incorporated into Yidam Yoga practices. Practitioners use visualization of Maitreya's image and mantra to purify karmic obstacles and cultivate compassion.

II. The Origin of the Worship and Use of the Future Buddha

1. **Scriptural Basis**:

- The worship of Maitreya Bodhisattva originates from early Buddhist texts such as the Agama Sutra and the Maitreya Descent Sutra. These texts record Shakyamuni Buddha's prophecies regarding Maitreya's future Buddhahood, laying the foundation for Maitreya belief. In Mahayana Buddhism, Maitreya Bodhisattva's status was further elevated, particularly in the Lotus Sutra, the Avatamsaka Sutra, and the Maitreya Ascension Sutra, where Maitreya is depicted as residing in Tusita Heaven, awaiting his descent to the human world.

Tibetan Buddhism inherited the Mahayana Buddhist worship of Maitreya and incorporated it with Tantric practices, further enriching the faith.

2. **Development in Tibetan Buddhism**:

- Maitreya belief gradually developed in Tibetan Buddhism with the introduction of Buddhism from India to Tibet (beginning around the 7th century). Tibetan Buddhism integrates Maitreya Bodhisattva with concepts of compassion and future salvation, and is particularly valued by sects such as the Nyingma and Gelug schools.

- Throughout Tibetan Buddhist history, many eminent monks and great figures have been considered emanations of Maitreya Bodhisattva. For example, Khedrup Gyal, a disciple of Tsongkhapa (founder of the Gelug school), was considered an incarnation of Maitreya, further elevating Maitreya's status. Maitreya mantras (such as "Om Maitreya Mama Hum") and practices are also widely practiced within Tibetan Buddhism. These practices are largely derived from Indian Tantric traditions and adapted in Tibet.

3. **Origin of Usage**:

- **Offerings and Prayers**: Tibetan Buddhists often pray for Maitreya Buddha statues and recite Maitreya mantras or scriptures to seek compassion and wisdom, hoping for liberation when Maitreya attains enlightenment in the future. This practice of offering stems from the Mahayana Buddhist tradition of Bodhisattva worship.

- **Rituals and Ceremonies**: In Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, Maitreya-related ceremonies often pray for world peace and the well-being of all beings. For example, some monasteries hold "Maitreya Ceremony" on specific days of the Tibetan calendar, displaying Maitreya images through thangkas or statues.

- **Pure Land Beliefs**: Maitreya Bodhisattva's association with Tushita Heaven has led Tibetan Buddhists to consider him an object of Pure Land practice. Some practitioners aspire to be reborn in Tushita Heaven and be close to Maitreya Bodhisattva. This belief stems from the Maitreya Ascension Sutra.

- **Art and Symbolism**: Maitreya's image and symbols (such as the water vase and the Dharma wheel) are widely used in Tibetan Buddhist thangkas and architecture. These artistic forms serve not only as religious expressions but also as a means of spreading Maitreya faith.

III. Summary

In Tibetan Buddhism, Maitreya, the future Buddha, symbolizes compassion and hope. His status is not only reflected in religious beliefs but has also profoundly influenced Tibetan culture, art, and spiritual practice. The origins of Maitreya worship can be traced back to early Buddhist texts. As Tibetan Buddhism developed, it incorporated tantric characteristics, resulting in unique practices and cultural expressions. Tibetan Buddhists connect with Maitreya Bodhisattva through offerings, rituals, and prayers, hoping to attain liberation and wisdom in the future world.