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Abstract
Maitreya enjoys the unique distinction of the only Bodhisattva being recognized throughout the entire Buddhist World, including the Theravada sect. The prophecy of the arrival of Maitreya is found in the canonical literature of all Buddhist sects and is accepted in most Buddhists sects as an actual event that will take place in the distant future. The article presents a short summary of the concept of Maitreya as a 'future savior of the world'. A short description of other boddhissatvas (recognised by the Theravada texts) is also presented in this paper. The paper presents an analytical review of how Maitreya cult has provided a ray of hope for a better future to the common masses. Moreover, throughout centuries, the same cult has initiated several schools/societies, that yearn for promulgation of a global moral and ethic decree.
The Maitreya Boddhissatva, 'the unconquered, the invincible is the one who is free of the three poisons of greed, anger and stupidity' (Bell, 1998).
A bodhisattva is the symbol of compassion who seeks enlightenment while also trying to save all sentient beings by spreading the Buddha's teachings. In early Buddhism the term boddhisattva (on the way to enlightenment) was used to identify Siddharta autama before he became a buddha (the enlightened one). Nonetheless, some other boddhissatvas were known as early as the early Buddhism, before its schism in several sects. The boddhissatvas in Hinayana were limited in their number and function. They began to gain greater importance for the Mahâsamghïkas' . Later on, the Mahayana beliefs, translated it in to legends, and iconography gave new and varied dimensions to the boddhisattvas. In Mahayana, this term was given a new interpretation, and used as a designation for every one aspiring to a perfect Enlightenment, i.e, the Buddhahood (Hien, 1999; p. 87). Now boddhisattvahood could be attained by anyone who raised himself to the point of practice of Virtue. All Buddha's older disciples were entered into bodhisattvas, whose images were exhibited for veneration as the means of attaining nirvana.
An enormous literature was developed focusing on the Boddhisattva and Boddhisattva path, including such famous texts as Bodhisattvabhumi Sutra and Dasambhumika Sutra, etc (Hien, 1999; p. 87). Avatamsaka Sutra made the treasures of Maitreya Tower accessible to the greatest...