MAITREYA BUDDHA

BUDDHA MAITREYA � THE FUTURE BUDDHA Buddha Maitreya is the future Buddha. In Buddhism there are 5 �earthy� Buddha�s each associated with one of the 5 ages (kala) of the world. Buddha Shakyamuni is the earthy Buddha of the fourth and present age. Buddha Maitreya is the final earthly Buddha, expected to appear during the 5th kala. In his function as great teacher of mankind. He will supposedly lead humanity back to Buddhism. Maitreya is easy recognized by his posture from � he sits in �European posture�, with both feet on the ground. From this position one can quickly stand up and rise � a symbol of what is to come. In some occasions he is also represented standing up, waiting his time, addionally, he usually wears a crown and is entwined with flowers. The associated mudra (hand gesture) Dharmacakra � the gesture which stands for the turning of the wheel of knowledge in Buddhism, the wheel is also a symbol for teaching. (Mantra: NAMO RATNA TRAYA)