The Future Buddha
The cultural heritage of asia

When the Buddha felt his end was near he told his grieving followers that it is in the very nature of things that they must pass away. ‘We must be separated from all that is near and dear to us ... The wise man has a right conception of the world. He will conclude that all component things will be dissolved again; but the Truth will always remain.’ He continued: ‘I am not the first Buddha to come upon earth; nor shall I be the last. In due time, another Buddha will arise in this world, a Supremely Enlightened One, endowed with wisdom, in conduct auspicious, knowing the universe, an incomparable leader, a master of devas and men. He will reveal to you the same Eternal Truths; he will proclaim a pure and religious life. ... He will be known as Maitreya, which means kindness.’

From Introduction by Marcel Nies