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Maitreya

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions | 1997 | | Copyright

Maitreya (Skt., ‘loving one’; Pāli, Metteyya; Chin., Mile-fo; Korean, Mitūk; Jap., Miroku). One of the five earthly buddhas, the embodiment of all-embracing love, who is expected to come in the future as the fifth and last of the buddhas. In early Buddhism, Maitreya dwells in the Tuṣita heaven (the realm of the fully delighted gods), waiting for the decline and eclipse of Buddhism, when he will become the next Buddha—in about 30,000 years time. This belief was further developed in all Mahāyāna countries, and above all in Tibet, where he is known as byams pa (champa). It is a particular commitment of Gelugpa to prepare for his coming. He is depicted usually with feet placed firmly on the ground, ready to step into the world.

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JOHN BOWKER. "Maitreya." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions. 1997. Encyclopedia.com. 27 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

JOHN BOWKER. "Maitreya." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions. 1997. Encyclopedia.com. (May 27, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O101-Maitreya.html

JOHN BOWKER. "Maitreya." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions. 1997. Retrieved May 27, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O101-Maitreya.html

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Maitreya

A Dictionary of Buddhism | 2004 | | Copyright

Maitreya. (Skt.; Pāli, Metteya). One of the great mythical Bodhisattvas whose cult was introduced into Buddhism at a fairly early date, and who is venerated in both Mahāyāna and non-Mahāyāna forms of Buddhism. Though his name signifies ‘loving-kindness’, some scholars suggest he was orginally linked to the Iranian saviour-figure Mitra and that his later importance for Buddhists as the future Buddha currently residing in the Tuṣita heaven who will follow on from Śākyamuni Buddha derives from this source.

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DAMIEN KEOWN. "Maitreya." A Dictionary of Buddhism. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. 27 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

DAMIEN KEOWN. "Maitreya." A Dictionary of Buddhism. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. (May 27, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O108-Maitreya.html

DAMIEN KEOWN. "Maitreya." A Dictionary of Buddhism. 2004. Retrieved May 27, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O108-Maitreya.html

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Maitreya

The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable | 2006 | | Copyright

Maitreya the Buddha who will appear in the future; a representation of this Buddha. The word is Sanskrit, from mitra ‘friend or friendship’.

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ELIZABETH KNOWLES. "Maitreya." The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 2006. Encyclopedia.com. 27 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

ELIZABETH KNOWLES. "Maitreya." The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 2006. Encyclopedia.com. (May 27, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O214-Maitreya.html

ELIZABETH KNOWLES. "Maitreya." The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 2006. Retrieved May 27, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O214-Maitreya.html

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