16 inch/ 42 cm Maitreya Buddha | རྒྱལ་བ་བྱམས་པ། | 彌勒菩薩

In Buddhist eschatology, Maitreya Buddha is a bodhisattva who is thought to be the future Buddha of this world. According to Buddhist scriptures, Maitreya is currently residing in Tusita Heaven, where he awaits his eventual rebirth on earth as the next Buddha, once the teachings of the current Buddha, Shakyamuni, have been forgotten."Maitreya" means "loving-kindness," reflecting his compassionate and benevolent nature. Maitreya is revered in Buddhist tradition as a symbol of hope and a source of inspiration for those seeking spiritual awakening and liberation from suffering.Maitreya is frequently depicted smiling and holding a vase containing the nectar of immortality. He is also sometimes depicted wearing a monastic robe, surrounded by a halo of light, and seated on a lion throne. His image is highly revered in Buddhist art and can be found in temples and monasteries all over Asia.The belief in Maitreya as the future Buddha is an important part of the spiritual path in Mahayana Buddhism. Devotees frequently pray to Maitreya and make offerings to him in order to accumulate merit and express their faith in his compassionate guidance to ultimate enlightenment. The belief in Maitreya's eventual rebirth also highlights the Buddhist understanding of existence's cyclical nature and the impermanence of all things.