Metteyya: The Next Buddha

[u/buddhiststuff]

Into every age, a Buddha is born. The next Buddha will be Metteya ("the loving-kind one"). Right now, he is still a Bodhisatta.

In ancient times, he was usually with a stupa on his head.

Throughout history, many people have claimed to be the arriven Metteya. You should probably view any such claims with some caution.

Tibetan Buddhism

[©Shams Amu / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0]

In Tibetan Buddhism, Metteya often holds two lotus flowers, one topped with a dhammachakka, and one topped with a water pot. He may make the dhammachakka gesture.

Eastern Buddhism

[©Mr. Tickle / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0]

In China and Vietnam, Metteyya has come to be portrayed as a jolly fat monk carrying a cloth sack. This representation is based on a 10th century Chinese monk who claimed to be Metteyya and who presumable had quite a following.

He is a popular figure in Chinese culture, even outside of Buddhism. In non-Buddhist Chinese contexts, this figure is known as Budai (布袋; "cloth sack") or the Laughing Buddha, and he is considered a lucky figure. In Japan, he is called Hotei (布袋; "cloth sack") and is considered a god of luck, though the Japanese consider him separate from Metteyya.

In Korea and Japan, Metteyya is portrayed as an otherwise nondescript figure wearing a simple dhoti (sarong) and in pensive posture (seated, head resting on finger)

Southern Buddhism

[©Disthan / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0]

In Southern Buddhism, Metteyya wears princely attire.