Maitreya, whose name is derived from the Sanskrit 'maitri' meaning 'universal love', will be the fifth and next buddha to appear in the world during this fortunate eon of one thousand Wheel-Turning Buddhas. We are now in the period of Shakyamuni, the fourth buddha. Buddhas manifest to lead sentient beings from the unsatisfactory state of a suffering existence, into liberation and bliss. Infinitely compassionate and all-knowing, they guide us skilfully according to our various capacities and dispositions along the path to our own buddhahood. As we gradually move towards the dark age when Shakyamuni Buddha's teachings will disappear from this world, beings' minds will become increasingly obscured by emotional afflictions. Unskilful actions, resulting in unhappiness, will be easier to create and far outnumber skilful actions, which are the causes of happiness. For thousands of years, negativity and misfortune will grow, and the human lifespan will gradually decrease to the point where old age comes at ten years. Bodies will be ugly and deformed, and human life will be pervaded by torment, destruction and destitution. At this point, spontaneously moved by his overwhelming compassion, Maitreya will manifest in our world as a radiantly beautiful spiritual teacher inspiring beings to practice the path of virtue, especially loving kindness. Ages will pass, and gradually, due to the merit of practicing virtue, happiness will increase and lifespans will grow longer. As the situation and human lifespans again begin to decline, according to prophecy, Maitreya will appear on the earth as the fifth Wheel-Turning Buddha. Maitreya will then give direct spiritual guidance to millions of disciples and lead countless beings to become arhats, bodhisattvas and fully enlightened buddhas. For eighty thousand years after Maitreya has passed away his teachings will continue in the world. By the power of his infinite loving kindness, limitless sentient beings will reap the benefits of his Dharma. Maitreya has promised that "anyone keeping just one vow of moral discipline purely during the time of Shakyamuni Buddha's teachings will become my personal disciple when I appear, and all such disciples I shall liberate." You can also read Teachings and Textes on Maitreya Top of Page · Print Page · Email Page · Home