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Who is Maitreya Buddha in Buddhist eschatological thought?

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Fresco The Last Judgment by Michelangelo covers the west wall of the Sistine Chapel, depicting Christ at the center surrounded by angels and human figures in dramatic poses. — eschatology The Second Coming as depicted in “The Last Judgment,” fresco by Michelangelo, 1536-41, on the west wall of the Sistine Chapel, Vatican Palace, Vatican City.

In Buddhist eschatological thought, Maitreya is the prophesied future Buddha who currently resides as a bodhisattva in the Tushita heaven. He is expected to descend to Earth to preach the dharma (law) once the teachings of the historical Gautama Buddha have completely decayed and vanished from the world.12

Maitreya serves as a central figure in Buddhist millenarian and eschatological traditions. While orthodox practitioners view him as a savior figure who will appear when the "true teaching" is lost to restore enlightenment, other traditions—particularly in China—have historically held that Maitreya is already present or imminent. This belief has occasionally inspired the formation of secret societies aimed at challenging established political orders.3

As the only bodhisattva generally honored across all schools of Buddhism, including the Theravada tradition, Maitreya represents a promise of future renewal, presiding over a coming era of peace and enlightenment.13