Buddhism 101

Lesson 3: Important Buddhist Figures and Related Mythology

Amitabha and Maitreya

Amitabha
Amitabha is a Mahayana bodhisattva, and is central to the Buddhist Pure Land schools, which are discussed by region in Lesson 4 of this course. His name, when translated, means “immeasurable light”. It has not been possible to prove that he actually lived, hence is it fairly well accepted these days that there is no historical Amitabha, but rather he is found only in Mahayana texts, appearing near the beginning of the development of that school. Like all bodhisattvas, he took vows. However, his vows were different. Amitabha, in a previous life, vowed that he should not become a true bodhisattva unless and until people were able to call upon his name and be helped in their quest for enlightenment.

Amitabha, known also as Amida in Japan, had hoped to help his followers by creating a “Pure Land” into which they could be born. In this paradise they would be more likely to achieve buddhahood, since they would not be hindered by evil spirits and the sensual pleasures that so easily could distract them from their goals in this world. As well, they would have the benefit of being in the constant company of Amitabha, and be treated to his exposition of the dharma. This Pure Land is located in the Western part of the Buddhist cosmology, and Amitabha is the ruler of the Western part of the cosmos. By calling upon his name – essentially by having and professing a strong faith in him – followers of Amitabha are given a fortunate rebirth in this Western paradise, which is sometimes likened to the idea of heaven found within Western religious traditions.

Maitreya
Like Amitabha, the celestial buddha Maitreya is found only in written accounts, and is not based on a historical person – however, many historical persons have been said to be emanations of Maitreya. However, the figure of Maitreya is found in all Buddhist schools, and is not solely a part of the Mahayana tradition. He is prophesied to be the successor to the Buddha, and as a prophesied being he is very often identified with great teachers, at times even revered teachers outside of the Buddhist tradition.

The lore around Maitreya indicates that he is currently residing in a realm called Tusita heaven, and he is waiting for the opportune time to be reborn on earth and continue teaching the dharma just as the historical Buddha did. This will occur after a period of great decline followed by a period of great improvement. Though he is acknowledged in all traditions, he is not always revered – in the tantric tradition he is portrayed as being sadly unable to comprehend the doctrines of Vajrayana.

Westerners may recognize Maitreya when he is being depicted in Asian art: when we see the fat, laughing buddha. This concept, however, may be based on an actual person who was thought to be an incarnation of Maitreya. Cults grew around Maitreya in the hopes that good karma could be gained by giving devotion to this celestial buddha.

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