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SANSKRIT IMAGES
By Permission From:
www.tctv.ne.jp/
tobifudo/butuzo/
hotoke/hotokes.html
Handbook on Viewing Buddhist Statues
A totally wonderful
book, by Ishii Ayako.
The 2nd image
shown on this page
was scanned from
this book; Japanese language only; 192 pages; 80 or so
color photos.
Click here to
buy book at Amazon
Japanese Text Below
仏像の見方ハンドブック
石井 亜矢子 (著)
by Ishii Ayako
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Miroku Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
Bosatsu of Compassion
The Buddha of the Future
Sanskirt | Maitreya
Chinese | Miluo Fo
Last Update July 2003 = Added Photos
Statues of this deity are already prominent in Japan by the 7th century. By the 9th century, Miroku Bosatsu becomes extremely popular among believers of the Shingon Sect, a form of Esoteric Buddhism. Founded by Kobo Daishi (774 to 835 AD), the Shingon sect believes that, far in the future, the Miroku Bosatsu will become a Nyorai (Buddha), and then appear on earth to save those unable to achieve enlightenment. Even today, Shingon followers are awaiting Miroku's return, scheduled to occur about 5.6 billion years from now.
 According to Buddhist lore, the Days of Dharma (Buddhist Law) are divided into three periods:
- First phase (Age of Shobo 正法、 しょうぼう), which lasts 500 years. It symbolizes the Turning of the Wheel of the Law (a metaphor for teaching the way to enlightenment); the first phase refers to the spread and acceptance of Buddhist teachings; sometimes known as the "Age of Correct Law."
- Second phase (Age of Zoho 象法、ぞうほう), which lasts 1,000 years; during this period the practice of the Law begins to deteriorate. Also called the "Age of Copied Law."
- Last phase (the Age of Mappo 末法、まっぽう), which lasts 3,000 years; during this period, the practice of the Law declines until no one follows the Buddhist tenets; also called the "Age of the Decline of the Law."
In the very last period, Buddhism will weaken and fade, but a new Buddha will then appear to once again "turn the wheel of the law." This Buddha is Maitreya (Miroku). Technically speaking, Miroku is a Bosatsu who resides in the Tusita heaven -- the place where Bosatsu dwell before incarnation -- but Miroku is still considered a Buddha in light of his impending arrival. This explains why Miroku can be represented as either a Bosatsu or Nyorai (Buddha). Nonetheless, I am unsure why the modern-day Shingon Sect believes Miroku Nyorai will appear 5.6 billion years in the future. According to the timeframe set forth in the Days of the Dharma, isn't that supposed to be around 4000 AD?
In Japan, the majority of Miroku artwork depicts the Miroku Bosatsu -- not sure if this holds true outside Japan. Also, in Japan, the Miroku Bosatsu is mostly shown seated, with finger touching cheek, as if in deep meditation or musing, and the left ankle of the foot is resting atop the right knee. Both poses are seldom found for the other Nyorai and Bosatsu.
To help you differentiate between the Nyorai and Bosatsu versions of Miroku, just remember that Bosatsu statues are typically ornate, wearing crowns and jewelry and princely clothes. In contrast, statues of the Nyorai are typically unadorned and dressed in the simple robe of a monk. This guideline doesn't always work, of course, but in often yields a correct assessment of the deity.
Above: Sanskrit Seed Sound - YU
Below: Mantra for Miroku
Miroku Nyorai, 9th Century, Todai-ji, Nara
Photo Courtesy of book entitled History of Japan's Buddhist Statues
Bijutu Shuppan-Sha, ISBN 4-568-40061-9
Miroku Nyorai, Jison-in, Wakayama Pref., Heian Era
Photo Courtesy of book entitled Hidden Buddhas of Japan
Corona Books, ISBN 4-582-63395-1
Miroku Nyorai, 7th Century, Kyoto, Kouryuu-ji, National Treasure
Photo Courtesy of book entitled History of Japan's Buddhist Statues
Bijutu Shuppan-Sha, ISBN 4-568-40061-9
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BELOW TEXT COURTESY SHINGON WEB SITE
http://www.shingon.org/deities/jusanbutsu/miroku.html
There are many different forms or images of the Maitreya, yet many of these forms of Maitreya show a stupa in the crown. This contains a sarira or real relic of the Buddha Sakyamuni. In the Shingon Tradition, it is taught that this stupa represents Mahavairocana (Dainichi) Buddha.
Maitreya Bodhisattva is the buddha who saves the world of the future. Sakyamuni was born in this world 2,500 years ago and preached the teachings of salvation for all humanity. After the passage of 5,670,000,000 years into the future after the death of Sakyamuni, Maitreya Bodhisattva will appear in the world and save all beings who have lost their way. At that time, a flower known as the Dragon Blossom will bloom, and Maitreya Bodhisattva will convene a gathering three times to preach the teachings and save the world. This is referred to as the Three Gatherings of the Dragon Blossom.
Another name for Maitreya Bodhisattva is Jishi Bodhisattva, the Bodhisattva of compassion, and this is because he vowed to save all beings in the world with a mind of compassion.
Kobo Daishi (774 to 835 AD), the real-life founder of Shingon, resides in the Tusita Heaven, which is the pure land of Maitreya Bodhisattva, and he guarantees Maitreya's vow, having attained salvation in this present world. It is for this reason that Kobo Daishi is said to grant salvation during the time between the death of Sakyamuni and the appearance of Maitreya, and is a source of great spiritual light as the Bodhisattva between these two Buddhist deities.
Editor's Note: In some traditions, Jizo Bosatsu was entrusted by the Historical Buddha to save others between the time of the Buddha's death and the arrival of Miroku. But according to this Shingon web site, Kobo Daishi has taken over this task from Jizo.
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MORE PHOTOS = Added July 2003
 
Miroku Bosatsu (Two views of same statue)
7th Century AD, Chuei-ji Temple
  
Miroku Bosatsu
(L) Three Kingdoms Era, 6th-7th Century AD, Horyu-ji Temple
(M) 7th Century, Kanmatsu-in
(R) 7th Century AD, Horyu-ji Temple
 
(L) Miroku Bosatsu, 7th Century AD, Horyu-ji Temple
(R) Miroku Bosatsu, Early 7th Century AD, Kouryu-ji Temple
Miroku Bosatsu, Wood with Pigment
Horyu-ji Temple, Heian Era, 9th Century
LEARN MORE
- Hotei, the "laughing Buddha," one of Japan's Seven Lucky Gods, is said to be an incarnation of Miroku Bosatsu
- www.shingon.org
- www.aisf.or.jp/~jaanus/deta/m/miroku.htm
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