Description:

Gold Gilt Bronze Maitreya, 17th century
Maitreya, the Buddha of the Future, was venerated even in India by followers of the Small Vehicle. This beautiful gold gilt of Maitreya portrays him as a Buddha, rather than a Bodhisattva. Maitreya will manifest as the next Buddha on earth, who will turn the wheel of the law after a period of Mappo – a time when the teachings of Shakyamuni have become 'forgotten.' As the future Buddha, he is respected as a Buddha, fully Enlightened. Some followers consider time cyclical. Most Buddhists, of most countries and disciplines – Small Vehicle or Large Vehicle – honor the 'Buddha to Be.' He is recognized by his serene Buddha face, seated on a lotus throne, but wearing the ornaments and jewelry of a Bodhisattva. The Chignon forms a Stupa over his head, symbolic of Maitreya.