Maitreya Bodhisattva (Sanskrit: Maitreya, Pali: Metteyya) means "loving-kindness" or "benevolence." In Chinese Buddhism, he is often referred to as Mile Bodhisattva. According to Mahayana Buddhist scriptures, he is the successor to Shakyamuni Buddha and will descend into the human world in the future to attain enlightenment and become the next Buddha of this world, also known as the Future Buddha. He is often called the Future Buddha Maitreya.
He is regarded by the Consciousness-Only (Yogacara) school as its founder. The teachings of this school were developed by Asanga and Vasubandhu and were later highly respected by Chinese Buddhist masters such as Xuanzang, Daozhao, and Kuiji.
At present, Maitreya resides in the Tusita Heaven as the "Bodhisattva Awaiting Buddhahood," teaching the Dharma to heavenly beings. In approximately 5.67 billion years, he is said to descend into this world, follow the same path once taken by Shakyamuni Buddha—birth, renunciation, enlightenment, and teaching—and become the fifth Buddha of this era. He is called a Bodhisattva because he has not yet become a Buddha, and he is called Maitreya because he is the Future Buddha. Therefore, the first day of the Lunar New Year is traditionally celebrated as Maitreya Bodhisattva's birthday.
1. The Cloth Bag
Among the many images of Maitreya found today, the most common is the smiling Budai Monk (Laughing Buddha) carrying a cloth bag.
He often appears with a large belly, bare chest, and a cloth bag in hand, smiling with joy and contentment. Because of this cheerful appearance, he is widely loved. Many people also regard him as a symbol of happiness, good fortune, and prosperity.
2. A Smiling Face
Maitreya's smile represents boundless kindness and compassion. Regardless of age, gender, nationality, or belief, people naturally smile when they see his joyful expression.
A traditional saying describes this spirit:
"Open your mouth and smile; laugh at all those who can laugh in the world."
3. Long Earlobes
Maitreya's long earlobes symbolize his great compassion and understanding. He listens patiently, understands others, and does not become easily angered.
4. A Large Belly
Maitreya's large belly symbolizes limitless tolerance and compassion.
A popular saying states:
"A great belly can contain what others find difficult to tolerate."
Whether people are wise or foolish, virtuous or flawed, Maitreya accepts all without discrimination.
5. Bare Chest and Belly
His exposed chest and belly represent sincerity, openness, honesty, and equality toward all beings.
6. The Cloth Bag
The cloth bag symbolizes Maitreya's boundless compassion and wisdom. It is said to hold all treasures under heaven, bringing happiness and light to the world while helping resolve confusion and troubles.
7. The Fan
The fan often seen with Maitreya appears simple, but it symbolizes his limitless compassion and wisdom.
The fan represents the ability to calm conflict, arguments, attachment, discrimination, and anger. It is a symbol of skillful means used to guide people toward wisdom and inner goodness.
Maitreya is often called the "Fan Monk" because of this symbol. His compassion is shown through helping others without expecting anything in return, encouraging people to reveal their natural kindness and create a more harmonious world.
Manifestation as the Budai Monk
For many Chinese people, Maitreya Bodhisattva is best known through the image of the Budai Monk, the cheerful monk with a large belly and constant smile.
As a manifestation of Maitreya, the Budai Monk is approachable and beloved by people regardless of whether they formally practice Buddhism. His optimism, compassion, and friendliness make him easy for everyone to relate to.
The Budai Monk traveled widely, even when facing misunderstanding or criticism from others. Through his actions, he demonstrated the teaching:
"Endure what is difficult to endure, and accomplish what is difficult to accomplish."
He was always smiling and carefree, treating heaven as his roof, the earth as his seat, and all people as family. Through his famous cloth bag, he taught the idea:
"Put down the bag, and freedom naturally follows."
The Budai Monk embodied tolerance and compassion. No matter what others laughed at, he would simply smile in return. Through this attitude, he encouraged people to understand that the path to clarity begins with letting go of attachment and resentment.
May we all learn from Maitreya's example—keeping an open heart, a generous spirit, and a smile on our faces.
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