Despite the fact that we live in degenerate times, we are fortunate to be able to listen to the sublime Dharma as propounded by Lord Shakyamuni Buddha. However, the sutras speak of a time when the Dharma will be forgotten or lost from this world system. That is when the next (5th) Buddha of this fortunate aeon, Lord Maitreya, shall descend from the Tusita Heaven to once again turn the wheel of the Dharma. Amongst the faithful across the many schools of Buddhism, many pray for the positive causes and conditions to be born in this world system when Lord Maitreya eventually returns.
Many have asked what it takes to be able to take re-birth during the time of Lord Maitreya’s return and have the chance to meet Him, and I thought that question is best answered by looking at the related question of how the disciples of Lord Shakyamuni Buddha had the good fortune to be born during his time in this world system, receiving his teachings personally.
The Buddha of the past, Lord Dipankara Buddha predicted that Shakyamuni Buddha’s enlightenment during this very age. Shakyamuni Buddha was then a Bodhisattva residing in the Tusita Heaven. It was those who had the good fortune of hearing Dipankara Buddha’s prediction, whether during or after His time, who planted the karmic seeds and created causes and conditions to be born during the period that Prince Siddhartha Gautama, who became Lord Shakyamuni Buddha, and to receive his teachings then. As is widely known, many of His disciples attained enlightenment during that lifetime. It is precisely for the same reason that if one creates the affinity with Lord Maitreya in this day and age, that will sow the seeds for re-birth during the time that Lord Maitreya takes re-birth in this world system. Many wish that should they yet to attain enlightenment from their practices of Lord Shakyamuni Buddha’s teachings, they be reborn during the time of Lord Maitreya.
Recognising this wish and considering these extremely trying periods for all sentient beings across the 7 continents, the Centre has commissioned this majestic image of Lord Maitreya (over 5 feet in height) and shall shortly be shipping it from Nepal to Singapore. The Centre hopes to display it in Singapore so that any and all who are faithful may come to join hands and accumulate immeasurable merit by paying respects to Lord Maitreya, and so that all may be blessed with good health, peace, as well as the good fortune to be learn at Lord Maitreya’s feet. The gilded image, fittingly resplendent in its glory, depicts Lord Maitreya sitting on his throne, awaiting his time to be reborn again in this world system. The root syllable of His name “Maitri” denotes love, as He is the embodiment of universal love.
For any friends of the Centre wishing to make a contribution, please do not hesitate to contact one of us at the Centre. It may be worth mentioning that this is likely to be the only image of Lord Maitreya of this kind and size in Singapore.
May you all be blessed with good health and success.
🙏Geshe Lama Konchok