UPSC Prelims 2018 Q74: Art & Culture – Philosophy & Religion
- (a) Avalokiteshvara
- (b) Lokesvara
- (c) Maitreya
- (d) Padmapani
Answer: (c) Maitreya
Explanation
Future Buddha - Yet to Come
In Buddhist tradition, Maitreya (Sanskrit; Pali: Metteyya) is the future Buddha who is prophesied to appear on Earth when Buddhist teachings have been forgotten, to restore the Dharma. Recognized in both Theravada and Mahayana traditions.
| Option | Actual Role | Correct? |
|---|---|---|
| (a) Avalokiteshvara | Bodhisattva of compassion (present, not future) | NO |
| (b) Lokesvara | Another name/aspect of Avalokiteshvara (compassion bodhisattva) | NO |
| (c) Maitreya | Future Buddha yet to come | YES |
| (d) Padmapani | Another form of Avalokiteshvara ('holder of the lotus') | NO |
Iconography: Maitreya is often depicted seated with feet on the ground (as if about to rise and take Buddha form), sometimes standing, with attributes like a stupa, dharmachakra or water flask.
Answer: (c) Maitreya.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Avalokiteshvara is the bodhisattva of compassion in the present cosmic era, not the future Buddha.
- (b) Incorrect. Lokesvara is another epithet of Avalokiteshvara - same present-era compassion bodhisattva.
- (c) CORRECT. Maitreya is the prophesied future Buddha, recognised across Theravada and Mahayana traditions.
- (d) Incorrect. Padmapani (holder of the lotus) is another form of Avalokiteshvara - not the future Buddha.
Key point
Buddhist figures: Gautama = present/historical Buddha. Maitreya = future Buddha. Avalokiteshvara/Lokeshvara/Padmapani = compassion bodhisattva (present). Manjushri = wisdom bodhisattva. Vajrapani = power bodhisattva.
Remember
Maitreya is the future Buddha in Buddhist eschatology, prophesied to appear on Earth when the teachings of the current Buddha (Gautama) have been forgotten, to restore the Dharma. Avalokiteshvara, Lokesvara and Padmapani are different names/forms of the same present-era bodhisattva of compassion.
Common mistakes
- Confusing Avalokiteshvara and its many forms (Lokesvara, Padmapani) - all are the same compassion bodhisattva, none the future Buddha.
- Assuming Kalki (Hindu future avatar) with Maitreya (Buddhist future Buddha) - similar prophetic idea, different traditions.
- Missing that Maitreya is unique across Theravada and Mahayana - the only widely-recognised future Buddha.
Exam tip
Buddha timeline: Past Buddhas (24 in some traditions), Present (Gautama), Future (Maitreya). Bodhisattvas of the present era: Avalokiteshvara (compassion), Manjushri (wisdom), Vajrapani (power).
Sources
- NCERT Class 12 - Themes in Indian History (Chapter on Buddhism)
- Sangeet Natak Akademi - Buddhist Iconography Documentation