Maitreya Buddha is the Future Buddha. He lives in the Tusita Heaven where he waits until his time to be born on this earth arrives. He is the embodiment of love and compassion.

Paintings of Maitreya are virtually nonexistent, but statues of him are still extant. They were particularly popular during the days of the Three Kingdoms (before 668 CE) and devotees carried miniatures of this Buddha in their pockets.

The Korean form of Maitreya is very special and unusual. Most people know the jolly, fat, laughing Buddha of Chinese iconography. He is the Chinese Maitreya, promising plenty in the future. The Korean counterpart is thin and easily identified when in the "posture of reflection." He sits with his right elbow resting on his right knee. His right foot or ankle is on his left knee. The left hand rests on the right ankle or foot. His head is slightly inclined, suggesting contemplation. The index and middle fingers of his right hand are slightly inflected and just touch the face. (The statue in the National Museum is hauntingly beautiful and well worth a visit.)

Many large statues in Korea are called Miruk-bul, Maitreya Buddha, but there is specula-tion about their true identity.