Maitreya

Maitreya (Sanskrit: मैत्रेय, Maitreya; Pali: Metteyya; Tibetan: བྱམས་པ་, Byams pa; Chinese: 彌勒菩薩, Mílè Púsà; Japanese: 彌勒菩薩, Miroku Bosatsu) is a future Buddha in Buddhist eschatology. The literal meaning of the name is "the loving one" or "the friend." In some Buddhist accounts, Maitreya is regarded as a bodhisattva who will appear on Earth in the future, achieve complete enlightenment, and teach the pure dharma. Maitreya is traditionally believed to come from the Tushita heaven, where he resides as a bodhisattva, and will be born into a wealthy family in the city of Ketumati (possibly modern Varanasi in India). His arrival is anticipated to occur during a time of great moral decline, and he will bring about a new era of peace and prosperity. The concept of Maitreya is significant in various Buddhist traditions, including Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana, and is also recognized in other religious and philosophical contexts, such as in certain schools of Hinduism and in the Baha'i Faith.