Who is Maitreya in Buddhist millennial traditions?

In Buddhist tradition, 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 anew once the teachings of the historical Gautama Buddha have completely decayed.12

Within Buddhist millennial and eschatological thought, Maitreya serves as a pivotal figure:

• Role and Expectation: He is viewed as a savior figure who will eventually realize his full potential as a buddha and preside over a kingdom of peace and enlightenment. For many, he represents a source of hope and assistance when the true teachings are fading.3
• Cultural Variations: While orthodox Buddhists view him as a future figure, other traditions—particularly in China, where Buddhism integrated with Taoist millennial tendencies—have held that Maitreya is already present or will arrive imminently. This belief has historically inspired the formation of secret societies that challenged established political orders.3
• Significance: Maitreya is the only bodhisattva generally honored across all schools of Buddhism, including the Theravada tradition. His name, derived from the Sanskrit maitrī ("friendliness"), reflects his character as a loving and kind figure.1