025
The Bodhisattva, Maitreya, the Future Buddha in Tushita Paradise
Thangka,
embroidered Paper support with silk embroidery
7.0 x 8.5 inches
Northern China, either Beijing or Manchuria
Ca. 18th century
Northern Chinese Court style
The Bodhisattva Maitreya resides in Tushita paradise meditating and teaching
until he becomes the next fully enlightened Buddha. There are to components
within devotion to Maitreya. First, by performing good actions, one can
be reborn in Tushita paradise to await Maitreya's descent to the world as
a Buddha. Second, one may also choose to be reborn at the time of Maitreya's
descent and, thus, live during the perfected time of a Buddha in a perfect
world that will be known as Ketumati.
John Huntington
Museum #: 95.008
Huntington Archive Image Scan #: T1027