1). The Turning of the Wheel of the Law (500 years).
2). The Deterioration of the Law (1,000 years).
3). The End of the Law (3,000 years), during which Buddhism is no longer practiced.
After this last stage, when the wave pf teaching initiated by Shakyamuni, which we now know as Buddhism, has died out, Maitreya will descend to earth and take birth as a human being. He will rediscover the path to enlightenment, covered over by the creepers of time and the briars of ignorance, and will proclaim the Dharma once more, 'for the benefit of gods and men,' thus firmly establishing himself as the friend of all humanity. Indeed, Maitreya's name is derived from the Sanskrit word for friendship, 'maitri.'
Shown with an extremely sweet and gentle countenance, he holds in his right hand, between the thumb and forefinger, the stem of a lotus flower. The bloom of this lotus supports a wheel. This is the Buddhist wheel of spiritual instruction. His left hand holds the stem of a flower which supports a vase at his shoulder level.
Iconographically Maitreya is the only divinity in the Northern Buddhist pantheon represented seated in European fashion on a throne, with the legs pendant.
This sculpture was created in the city of Patan, near Kathmandu (Nepal).
For privacy concerns, please view our Privacy Policy
Send as free online greeting card
Email a Friend
Manage Wishlist