Popular Deities of Chinese Buddhism (Illustrated)

(Grace) #1
 

an energetic religious Order which embraces all the three great
Chinese religions of Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism,
claimed that Maitreya made his appearance in China as their
great teacher at the beginning of this century. However all these
are but the minor transformed bodies of the Great Being whose
real essence is now residing in the Temple of the Palace of the
Seven Jewels of the Tusita Heaven. Buddhists are more con-
cerned with his final incarnation when he ascends to the state of
a Fully Enlightened Buddha to save countless beings from the
world. In the meantime one should direct his energy to develop
a strong affinity with Maitreya Buddha by reciting his name
daily and living in a virtuous manner.

Maitreya Buddha’s birthday is celebrated on the 1st day of the 1st
moon of the Lunar calendar which coincides with the Chinese
New Year Day, a day of joy in which all families traditionally
keep pure and holy by avoiding the eating of any meat.

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