Who is Maitreya?

"Relying on certain Mahayana Buddhist citations and quotations, we believe that in this fortunate aeon one thousand Buddhas will appear. This is the time of the fourth Buddha, Buddha Shakyamuni, whose teaching is still existing, and the fifth Buddha will be Maitreya Buddha." — His Holiness the XIVth Dalai Lama

Maitreya's name is derived from the Sanskrit 'maitri' meaning 'universal love'. Infinitely compassionate and all-knowing, Buddhas teach by their words and example in order to guide us along the path to our own spiritual maturity.

When Shakyamuni Buddha's teachings disappear from this world (the teachings of the historical Buddha of our current age), negativity and misfortune will grow until, spontaneously moved by his overwhelming compassion, Maitreya will manifest in our world as a radiantly beautiful spiritual teacher inspiring people to practice the path of virtue, especially loving-kindness.