Buddha of Happiness |
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First and foremost, who is Maitreya Buddha? The common answer is that most people have no idea. Yet, ironically, just about everyone recognizes him on sight. Mayhap they know him as "Fat Buddha" or "Happy Buddha". There are only a few who know him by his true name. Maitreya means happiness, loving, love. That is the Buddha with love, who brings love, who brings happiness to people. Whoever does that is a Maitreya Buddha, and you yourself should be a Maitreya Buddha, bringing love and happiness to people. That's the way of a gentleman, the way of a big strong man. It's a bit strange when you think about it - this combination of universally recognized image and virtually unknown name, unique of all the religious figures one comes across in America. Maitreya Buddha is the Buddha of the future, which is also known as the Laughing Buddha, is the one to follow up the historical Buddha Sakyamuni. He waits in the Tusita heaven for the moment he is to appear on earth as the Buddha of the fifth world cycle. At present he is considered as one of the dhyani-Bodhisattvas, the creators of the universe. In the future he will be like Sakyamuni, a mortal manusi Buddha who lives on earth for a while in order to teach mankind the doctrine. Maitreya, "The Friendly and Benevolent One" or "One Who Possesses Loving-kindness" is widely adored by the Chinese Buddhists for his willingness to grant help to those who direct their minds towards him. He is also known as Ajita, 'the Unconquered' and ranks equal with the other great Bodhisattvas such as Avalokitesvara, Manjusri, Samanthabadra, Mahasthamaprata and Ksitigarbha. As the next Buddha-to-be he alone enjoys the distinction of being the only Bodhisattva recognised and popularly accepted by both Mahayanist and Theravadin countries. Generally, the Chinese worship him for wealth and happiness and there are those who even believed strongly that he is able to bequeath them with children as one of his most popular forms is that with five children surrounding him. However the images of him that are found in the temples normally depict a fat genial laughing figure with a mountainous belly, in a sitting posture, and having a large bag beside him. In addition, we say that Maitreya Buddha has a "big stomach" and can therefore tolerate anything. Little kids climb all over him and it’s okay. You can take advantage of him and it won’t make him mad. The English equivalent of "big stomach" in this context is "big heart." The Maitreya Buddha is of a big heart. Maitreya Buddha is normally pictured seated, with both feet on the ground, indicating that he has not yet completed ascending his throne, which is believed to be a style of western throne, not Indian as previously believed. He is dressed in the clothes of either a Bhiksu or Indian royalty. As a Bodhisattva, he would usually be standing and dressed in jewels. Usually he wears a small stupa in his headdress and could be holding a dharmachakra resting on a lotus. A khata is always tied around his waist as a girdle. The story of Maitreya begins incalculable ages in the past during the time of Buddha Ratna-chattra. One of his disciples was the monk Sthiramati, who had infinitely more concern for the welfare of others than he did for himself. He would often forsake taking food until he had established a vowed number of beings on the path of pure moral discipline, concentration and wisdom. So strong was his dedication to others' happiness and so radiant his kindness and love (Skt Maitri) that even the gods of heaven praised him, giving him the title "Loving One", or Maitreya. Buddha Ratna-chattra predicted that in all his future rebirths as a bodhisattva he would be known by this name and that his fame would spread far and wide. In addition to love, one of the main practices of Maitreya was the Seven-Limb puja. This powerful method for countering the delusions, purifying negativity and accumulating meritorious energy is an integral part of the Mahayana Buddhist practice (prostration, offering, declaring non-virtue, rejoicing, entreating the guru-buddhas to remain, requesting teachings and final dedication). Through sincere performance of these seven limbs Maitreya eventually achieved full enlightenment. Although Maitreya realized buddhahood before Shakyamuni, he honored Shakyamuni as his guru and held him in highest esteem. One way portraying Maitreya shows him adorned with a stupa on the crown of his head, the stupa symbolizes Shakyamuni and its position on Maitreya demonstrates supreme respect. When Shakyamuni appeared in this world as he fourth founding Buddha of the present age, Maitreya manifested as one of his disciples (along with Avalokiteshvara, Manjushri and others) to demonstrate how the bodhisattva path should be followed. Maitreya is often figured gathered around Shakyamuni to listen to his teaching of the Universal Vehicle discourses. He and Manjushri are often paired there in dialogues, or in alternating interlocution of the Buddha. Behind Maitreya is a large pillow set against a throne back with two tiers; the upper tier is largely obscured by the two flowers next to his shoulders and is just barely visible under the makara perched on the left. Maitreya's hair is arranged in a tall chignon, indicative of his future as a Brahman. His garments resemble those worn by the standing bodhisattvas who flank him. The scarf that encircles his chest is more usually worn by Tathagatas. He lacks most of the elaborate jewelry seen on images of Esoteric Buddhist deities, including armbands, anklets, crowns, and earrings. Maitreya resides in the Tusita Heaven (Pāli: Tusita), said to be reachable through meditation. Śākyamuni Buddha also lived here before he was born into the world. Some Bodhisattvas live in the Tusita Heaven before they descend to the human realm to become Buddhas. A bodhisattva may be thought of as an individual near to becoming a buddha. Recommended Sites:
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