Definition

Noun: 1. A future Buddha in Mahayana Buddhism: Maitreya is a bodhisattva (an enlightened being who postpones Buddhahood to help others) who is prophesied to appear on Earth in the distant future to teach the pure dharma (Buddhist teachings). He is often regarded as the successor to the current Buddha, Gautama Buddha.

Examples of Usage

• According to Buddhist tradition, Maitreya will be the next Buddha to appear in our world.
• Many statues depict Maitreya as a smiling, seated figure, symbolizing his future role as a teacher of compassion.
• Devotees pray for the swift coming of Maitreya to guide all beings to enlightenment.

Advanced Usage

• Maitreya Buddha: This full title is often used to refer to his future status as a fully enlightened Buddha.
  • Believers await the arrival of Maitreya Buddha in a future golden age.
• Maitreya-nātha: An alternative name found in some Buddhist texts, combining his name with "nātha" (lord/protector).
• Maitreya is a central figure in messianic and millenarian beliefs within some Buddhist traditions, representing hope for a future era of peace and universal teaching.

Variants and Related Words

• Metteyya: The Pali language equivalent of the Sanskrit name "Maitreya," used in Theravada Buddhist texts.
• Bodhisattva: A key concept; Maitreya is one of the most prominent bodhisattvas.
• Future Buddha: A descriptive term for Maitreya's prophesied role.

Synonyms

• The Future Buddha
• The Buddha to Come
• The Loving One (The name "Maitreya" is derived from the Sanskrit word , meaning "loving-kindness" or "friendship.")

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Awaiting Maitreya: Used metaphorically to describe waiting for a future savior or a long-anticipated era of peace and wisdom.
  • The community's patient reform efforts felt like awaiting Maitreya.

Noun

1. the Bodhisattva who is to appear as a Buddha 5000 years after the death of Gautama