Significance of Future Buddha
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Synonyms: Maitreya, Buddha of the future, Bodhisattva maitreya, Buddha-to-be, Coming buddha
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Future Buddha'
In Buddhism, "Future Buddha" signifies individuals destined for enlightenment in future cycles. It encompasses prophesied figures like Metteyya and Sumedha, representing the cycle of Buddhahood. This includes those achieving omniscience and the ideal of reaching Buddhahood, embodying virtue and the evolution of enlightenment.
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) The future Buddha, in the 'Story of the Past,' experienced the struggles of attachment to family and worldly life before ultimately breaking these bonds.[1] (2) Refers to the Buddha in a past life, when he was reborn and noted for his compassion and patience, illustrating the continuity of spiritual growth.[2] (3) The incarnation of the Buddha in a past life, exemplifying righteousness even while facing danger.[3]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) According to the information, future Buddhas are referenced in the dialogue between Sariputta and the Buddha, where their practices of morality, concentration, wisdom, abiding, and emancipation are discussed.[4] (2) The text identifies Sumedha the Wise as the future Buddha, indicating his destined role as an enlightened being and a guide for others on the path to liberation.[5] (3) Upali wished to be honored by the same title by some future Buddha after witnessing a bhikkhu being designated as the foremost among the bhikkhudisciples.[6] (4) Sumedha is described as the Future Buddha in the provided text.[7] (5) The designation given to Sumedha by the prophecy of Buddha Dipankara, indicating his destiny to achieve enlightenment and become a fully realized Buddha in the future.[8]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) Refers to enlightened beings who teach with generosity, sharing knowledge fully without withholding.[9] (2) The spiritual figure that Devadatta tried to destroy, symbolizing enlightenment and righteousness.[10]
From: Introducing Buddhist Abhidhamma
(1) The future Buddha is the individual who renounced his kingdom at the age of 29 to seek enlightenment.[11]
From: Patthanuddesa Dipani
(1) Metteyya, the prophesied Buddha whose teachings and fraternity will serve as natural sufficing conditions for future generations.[12]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The future Buddha is said to have renewed the gift of his head numerous times during a thousand successive births.[13] (2) This is related to one aspect of the figure being visually represented along with the present and past figures by means of visualization.[14] (3) These individuals are prophesied to achieve enlightenment, and their accession is a cause for celebration and rejoicing.[15] (4) This is a significant figure that the snake-king Erakapatta was waiting for, as he sought to discover when this figure would appear in the world, signifying the importance of enlightenment.[16] (5) The term refers to Buddha Shakyamuni, indicating his status as someone who will attain Buddhahood in a future time.[17]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) He was born in a hell where the inhabitants were forced to pull wagons, and his good thought released him from that life.[18]
From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva (Sutra of the Great Vow)
(1) The past, present, or future Buddhas that the ghost kings will respect when they see men and women who have cultivated benevolent deeds.[19]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) The predicted eventual attainment of Buddhahood by Abhiya after many kalpas.[20]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) Those also, not gaining the right path and fruition in the dispensation of this Buddha Dipankara also, praised this, honoured him with eight handfuls of flowers, circumambulated him and departed thence.[21] (2) Referring to potential future enlightened beings as prophesied by the current Buddha.[22]
From: Hualin International Journal of Buddhist Studies
(1) Maitreya, whose Pure Land in Tushita Heaven was a common destination in Chinese religious imagination.[23] (2) These are sentient beings regarded as such, along with previous parents, in the practice of Bodhisattva Maitreya, and contemplating on their kindness is part of the seven levels.[24] (3) This is what the unique representation in Kizil Cave 196 shows a Buddha forwarding Buddhahood to, as the text provides.[25]
The concept of Future Buddha in scientific sources
Maitreya, the Future Buddha, is the final figure in a series of motifs, symbolizing the Buddha who is yet to come and representing hope for the future.
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) Future Buddha is mentioned in the context of Maitreya visualization, indicating its religious significance.[26] (2) Maitreya is the last scene in the alignment of motifs and represents the future Buddha.[27]