[FutureBuddha (9)] Maitreya ... the Future Buddha ...

[Seiko]

There has always been a millenarian tendency in Mahayana Buddhism, teachings offering visions of an hoped for future age of peace and goodness, to someday come about even in this earthly world. Very often, the symbol of that bright future is centered on "Maitreya," the so-called "Future Buddha."

I don't believe that there is a real Avalokitesvara - a being with 1000 arms - someone I could meet. Neither do I believe in the "second coming" of Buddha Maitreya - well not in any terms but symbolic.

In the same way that I think we create heaven or hell for ourselves today in this moment, right here, right now, I believe that Maitreya is the symbol of how our future selves could be.

Gasshō
Seiko
stlah