Watch the video from Master Shen Yeng's Dharma talk about

Maitreya Buddha, and then answer the ff. questions on Google Docs
1. Who is Maitreya?
Maitreya is a bodhisattva who is prophesied to appear on Earth, achieve complete Enlightenment, and
teach the Dharma. According to scriptures, Maitreya's teachings will be similar to those of Gautama
Buddha (also known as Sakyamuni Buddha). Maitreya is the Buddha of the future, who will be born to
teach enlightenment in the next age. According to Mahayana teachings, a Buddha is first born as a
bodhisattva, and then after many lifetimes, progresses on to Buddhahood. The historical Buddha was
himself referred to as a bodhisattva before becoming the Buddha.
2. Describe the statue of Maitreya? Why is Maitreya's statue portrayed different than the
other Buddhas and Bodhisattvas? Note the symbolisms made on the Buddha's appearance.
The figure of Maitreya Buddha, is short and fat, and is even portrayed with a huge belly. Identified by
the small flask he holds in his left hand, filled with a liquid of immortality. The sculpture comes from
the region of Gandhara. The schist stone allows for detailed carving, especially in the deeply carved
lines of the drapery, the hairdo, and jewelry. Bodhisattvas feature similar looks to Buddhas. The
difference is that Buddha has a flesh bun on the top of the head, while Bodhisattva doesn't have any;
Buddha's face is round like the moon while Bodhisattva's face is oval like a hen egg, sesame, or goose
egg; Buddha wears simple clothes, with cassock around the body and exposing the right shoulder,
while Bodhisattva wears much more splendid and solemn clothes, with heaven coronet on the head,
pearl and jade necklace around the neck, Ring Sermon on hand and cloth floating in air.

3. Where is Maitreya Buddha and when will he/she become a Buddha?

Maitreya currently resides in Tusita Heaven. Maitreya is the earliest bodhisattva around whom a cult
developed and is mentioned in scriptures from the 3rd century. He was accepted by all schools of
Buddhism and is still the only bodhisattva generally honoured by the Theravada tradition. The name
Maitreya is derived from the Sanskrit maitri(“friendliness”).