The Radiant Future Buddha: A Symbol of Hope and Enlightenment
This exquisite brass statue depicts Maitreya, the Bodhisattva of compassion and the future Buddha, destined to appear on Earth in the distant future to guide humanity toward enlightenment. Revered across Mahayana Buddhism, Maitreya is seen as the embodiment of benevolent hope, a beacon of peace, and a promise of a golden age. In the visual language of Buddhist art, Maitreya often signifies a time of great prosperity and spiritual awakening. His presence is believed to bring solace, wisdom, and the cessation of suffering. This particular rendition captures Maitreya in a pose of serene contemplation, his hands joined in a gesture of teaching or blessing, inviting peace and introspection into any space.Artistry Rooted in Tradition: A Masterpiece of Indian Craftsmanship
Handmade in India, this statue is a testament to the enduring legacy of traditional Indian artistry. The skilled artisans have meticulously sculpted the brass, imbuing it with a sense of divine grace and profound serenity. The rich, lustrous finish of the brass is further enhanced by the intricate inlay of vibrant turquoise and coral stones. These precious materials are not merely decorative; they carry symbolic weight within Buddhist traditions. Turquoise is often associated with wisdom, healing, and protection, while coral symbolizes life, vitality, and spiritual energy. The combination of these stones with the golden brass creates a visually stunning and spiritually resonant piece, reflecting the rich cultural heritage and devotional practices of India.A Unique Representation of Divine Presence
This striking representation of Maitreya is designed to be seated on the edge of a table, bringing his benevolent energy directly into your living or meditative space. The statue is adorned with traditional Buddhist iconography. To the left and right of Maitreya, two ornate brass ornaments are placed. The one on the left features the Dharma Chakra, the Wheel of Dharma, symbolizing the Buddha's teachings and the path to liberation. The ornament on the right likely represents a stupa or another auspicious symbol, reinforcing Maitreya's role as a dispenser of wisdom and spiritual guidance. The flowing robes of the Buddha are vividly rendered with inlaid stones, creating a mesmerizing mosaic of color and texture. This dynamic yet peaceful depiction makes the statue a captivating focal point, inspiring contemplation and radiating a sense of spiritual tranquility. It is a piece that speaks of devotion, artistry, and the enduring promise of a brighter future.
The Prophecy of Maitreya: Exploring the Beliefs and Significance
of the Future Buddha
According to Chinese Buddhists, Maitreya is the future Buddha of
this world who will appear in this Kalpa (Bhadrakalpa) and will
be the fifth and last Buddha. In the Amitabha Sutra and the
Lotus Sutra, important Buddhist literature, he is referred to as
Ajita. It is believed that his teachings will restore Dharma and
a golden age will begin. Some Buddhist literature and texts also
mention him in detail. He is Bodhisattva who will appear on
earth and will achieve complete Enlightenment only in seven
days. His teachings will be similar to those of Gautama Buddha
and in this way, he will teach Dharma to the world.
In some Buddhist traditions, it is believed that Maitreya
presently resides in Tushita heaven which is located between the
Yama heaven and the Niramanarati heaven. All Bodhisattvas stay
there before appearing on earth to become Buddhas. He will be
born to the Brahmanas, Tubrahma (father) and Brahmavadi (mother)
in the city of Ketumati (present Varanasi), Uttar Pradesh, and
this will be the time when all humans will live a much longer
life, to an age of around eighty thousand years. His teachings
will be followed by humanity for the next 180,000 years.
What does Maitreya mean?
The name of Maitreya is derived from the Sanskrit word “Mitra”
which means “friend” or “Maitri” which means “friendship”.
Buddhist scholars believe that Maitreya, the future Buddha, out
of his enormous compassion toward all living beings of this
world, will appear to turn their unfortunate lives into a life
of meaning and purpose. Looking at them with his eyes full of
empathy, he will teach them the right way to live and achieve
the main goal of human life, which is to come out of the cycle
of repeated births and deaths. In this way, people of this world
will again follow the instructions and teachings of Gautama
Buddha.
What is the power of Maitreya?
The Maitreya Vyakaran, a short text written during the Pala
period, describes how after the disappearance of Gautama Buddha,
people will forget his teachings and will engage in sinful
activities. During that period, greed, lust, anger, illusion,
violence, and false ego will overpower their minds and this will
create havoc in human society. This is viewed as the low point
of human existence. Then, a new era will begin in which the next
Buddha Maitreya will appear and he will teach humanity of the
ten non-virtuous deeds, namely, killing, stealing, sexual
misconduct, lying, divisive speech, abusive speech, idle speech,
covetousness, harmful intent, and wrong views. In this way,
under the guidance of the fully awakened Maitreya, people of
this world will lead a holy life of oneness and will experience
an abundance of joy and happiness.
How to keep a Brass statue well-maintained?
Brass statues are known and appreciated for their exquisite beauty and luster. The brilliant bright gold appearance of Brass makes it appropriate for casting aesthetic statues and sculptures. Brass is a metal alloy composed mainly of copper and zinc. This chemical composition makes brass a highly durable and corrosion-resistant material. Due to these properties, Brass statues and sculptures can be kept both indoors as well as outdoors. They also last for many decades without losing all their natural shine.
Brass statues can withstand even harsh weather conditions very well due to their corrosion-resistance properties. However, maintaining the luster and natural beauty of brass statues is essential if you want to prolong their life and appearance.
- The best and simplest way to maintain a brass statue is to clean it at least twice a week using a soft cloth or cotton rag. This will prevent dust from accumulating on the surface. Dusting is especially important for outdoor statues since it is prone to dust accumulation much more than indoors.
- To give a natural shine and luster to the statue, you may apply coconut or olive oil using cotton on every portion. You can use a toothbrush to get to the small crevices but do not be too harsh. This will make the brass statue appear fresh and new with a polished look.
In case you have a colored brass statue, you may apply mustard oil using a soft brush or clean cloth on the brass portion while for the colored portion of the statue, you may use coconut oil with a cotton cloth.
Brass idols of Hindu Gods and Goddesses are especially known for their intricate and detailed work of art. Nepalese sculptures are famous for small brass idols portraying Buddhist deities. These sculptures are beautified with gold gilding and inlay of precious or semi-precious stones. Religious brass statues can be kept at home altars. You can keep a decorative brass statue in your garden or roof to embellish the area and fill it with divinity.
Upload an Image
