The arrival of Maitreya
Bodhisattva Maitreya’s coming coincides with a new school of teaching to surpass that of the original Gautama Buddha. Maitreya is predicted to attain Bodhi in seven days (which is the minimum period), by Virtue of his many lives of preparation for Buddha-hood (similar to those reported in the Jataka stories of Shakyamuni Buddha). Maitreya’s coming is characterized by a number of physical events. The oceans are predicted to decrease in size, allowing Maitreya to traverse them freely. The event will also allow the unveiling of the “true Dharma to the people, in turn allowing the construction of a new World. The coming also signifies the end of the middle time in which humans currently reside (characterized as a low point of human existence between the Gautama Buddha and Maitreya). In order for the World to realize the coming of Maitreya, a number of conditions must be fulfilled. Gifts should be given to Buddhist Monks, Moral Precepts must be followed, and sacrifice offerings must be made at shrines. Some of the events foretold at the coming of the second Buddha include an end to Death, warfare, famine, and disease, as well as the ushering in of a new society of tolerance and Love.
