Page 138 - Popular Deities of Chinese Buddhism (Illustrated) and Symbols

an energetic religious Order which embraces all the three great

Chinese religions of Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism,

claimed that Maitreya made his appearance in China as their

great teacher at the beginning of this century. However all these

are but the minor transformed bodies of the Great Being whose

real essence is now residing in the Temple of the Palace of the

Seven Jewels of the Tusita Heaven. Buddhists are more con-

cerned with his final incarnation when he ascends to the state of

a Fully Enlightened Buddha to save countless beings from the

world. In the meantime one should direct his energy to develop

a strong affinity with Maitreya Buddha by reciting his name

daily and living in a virtuous manner.

Maitreya Buddha’s birthday is celebrated on the 1st day of the 1st

moon of the Lunar calendar which coincides with the Chinese

New Year Day, a day of joy in which all families traditionally

keep pure and holy by avoiding the eating of any meat.

 