Kamakura periodTokyo National MuseumImportant Cultural PropertyJapan

According to the in , all people possess the potential to reveal an innate Buddha nature during their own

Maitreya - 33 metre symbol of facing facing down the towards ,

Diskit MonasteryShyok RiverNubra ValleyLadakhLotus SutraNichiren Buddhism

Statue of Maitreya Buddha in Patan Museum, ,

KathmanduNepal

Close-up of a statue depicting Maitreya at the in , India. Depictions of Maitreya vary among Buddhist sects.

The following list is just a small selection of those people who
claimed or claim to be the incarnation of Maitreya. Many have either
used the

Maitreya ( on left thigh), art of , second century CE

A 9th-century art bronze Maitreya from , a adorns his crown

The future Buddha Maitreya, Gandhara, 3rd century CE

Sitting Maitreya (holding ), Gandhara, 3rd century CE

A statue of Maitreya Buddha inside Trikal Maitreya Buddha Vihara (Jamchen Lhakhang Monastery) at , ,

Seated Maitreya, Korean, 4-5th century CE.

Seated Maitreya in meditation, Korean, 6-7th century CE.

The monk as an incarnation of Maitreya

Maitreya and disciples in form, as depicted at the Feilai Feng grottos near in ,

Monumental statue of Maitreya at , China

Statue of the Tiger Subduing , believed to be an incarnation of Maitreya

Statue of Maitreya of , now in , New York

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