In “Khuddak Nikaya” of “Sutta Pitaka” there is a little 27 chapter book-in-verse called “Buddhavamsha” (The Clan of Buddha). In this book, the life of all 28 Buddhas cited by “Thervad” tradition is described : right from three preceding Buddhas to “Dipankara Buddha” to “Sakyamuni Buddha”. Maitreya or “Ajit Bodhisatva” is also mentioned it it. The curious thing is that Maitreya has not arrived yet! It is said that when Dhamma will hit a new low during its decline on Mother Earth, Maitreya Buddha will arrive and show us the way.
It’s really curious that Maitreya is yet to arrive, but we already know how is looks like. Countless idols of his already exist! His appearance even varies according to the style of the school of sculpting. For instance, Maitreya idol carved in Gandhara style is full of vigor and vitality. Mathura school’s Maitreya is compassionate in his poise, true to the school’s characteristics. Maitreya of Sri Vijayan style is ornate. Guimet Museum of Asian Art in Paris has its own version of Maitreya, where he is seen lost in contemplation. In China’s Lingyin temple there is a pot-belly Maitreya. This sculpture in typical Budai style shows Maitreya sitting merrily, surrounded by disciples.
However, it can be assumed that there are many more Maitreyas, so to speak, than the described one. As after Sakyamuni Buddha, there are 25 more Bodhisatvas are supposed to arrive and attain enlightenment. In order to prepare the world for the arrival of Maitreya, an organization called “The Order of the Star in the East” too was established by Theosophical Society. Noted philosopher and spiritual leader J. Krishnamurthy, who was a mere 14 year old then, was head of this institution and also a medium for the Maitreya.
And it’s not just about Buddhists. Hindus have their own version of yet-to-arrive-incarnation in Kalki. The final incarnation of Vishnu, Kalki is set to appear during the final phase of ongoing Kaliyuga. In fact, the forms and looks of Kalki are more well defined than that of Maitreya. In Islam, there are legends about Mahdi prophet who is supposed to rule the world for few years before the “Yawm al-qiyamah” or Day of Judgment.