Maitreya Buddha

Introduction

Maitreya is the 'Future Buddha' of Buddhist prophecy, destined to descend to the human world and attain Buddhahood after the teachings of Shakyamuni have faded from memory. In Taiwan, Maitreya is almost always depicted as the rotund, laughing Budai — a jolly figure with a bare belly and a wide grin, embodying the spirit of 'a belly big enough to hold all the world's troubles, and a smile broad enough to laugh at all the world's absurdities.' This cheerful image makes him one of the most beloved and instantly recognizable figures in Taiwanese Buddhism.

Legend & Origin

Maitreya's story draws from the Maitreya Ascent Sutra and the Maitreya Descent Sutra, which describe how Maitreya Bodhisattva currently resides in Tushita Heaven, awaiting the right time to be reborn on earth as the next Buddha. In Chinese and Taiwanese tradition, Maitreya became inseparable from Budai (Cloth Sack), a wandering monk of the Five Dynasties period. Budai was an eccentric, perpetually grinning monk who roamed from town to town carrying a large cloth sack, telling people 'I have a cloth sack — vast as empty space, free of all hindrances.' On his deathbed, he left behind a verse: 'Maitreya, true Maitreya — manifesting in a thousand billion forms, appearing constantly before the people of the world, yet the people of the world do not recognize him.' Only then did people realize that Budai had been Maitreya all along. From that moment on, the image of the big-bellied laughing monk became the definitive portrayal of Maitreya in Chinese and Taiwanese Buddhism.

Worship Guide

Offerings to Maitreya include fresh flowers and fruit. His smiling image puts worshippers at ease, and many approach him with a lighthearted, joyful spirit. Some temples place sweets near the Maitreya statue for visitors to take, symbolizing the sharing of happiness. Practitioners who follow the Maitreya path recite the Maitreya Ascent Sutra and vow to be reborn in Tushita Heaven, where they will one day descend to earth alongside Maitreya when he comes to establish his Buddha-land.

Festivals

Maitreya Buddha's birthday falls on the 1st day of the 1st lunar month — New Year's Day itself — signifying the idea of greeting each new year with a joyful heart. After the temple bell-ringing ceremonies on New Year's Eve, major Buddhist monasteries hold Maitreya birthday services at dawn on the first day of the year, blessing all who attend with good fortune for the months ahead.

Famous Temples

⛩️ Linkou Zhulinshan Guanyin Temple 🔗

New Taipei City

While primarily dedicated to Guanyin, Zhulinshan Guanyin Temple also enshrines Maitreya Buddha. The temple is one of the most popular religious centers in northern Taiwan, with throngs of devotees visiting year-round.

⛩️ Changhua Baguashan Great Buddha Temple 🔗

Changhua County

Although the iconic hilltop Great Buddha statue depicts Shakyamuni, the temple complex also houses a Maitreya shrine. The Great Buddha is Changhua's most famous landmark, and visitors can climb inside for panoramic views of the Changhua Plain.