Nichiren's View on the Mythology of Maitreya

Nichiren’s view about the future of Buddhism is that the teachings of the Eternal Buddha are necessarily eternal - and hence would not decline.

This is the difference between PreLotus teachings of decline of Buddhism (and hence the concept of Future Buddha) - and the Lotus, which predicts its flourishing in the future without limit (based on the efforts of the Bodhisattvas of the Earth propagating the teaching of MyohoRengeKyo).

“If Nichiren’s compassion is truly great and encompassing,

 Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo will spread for ten thousand years and more,

for all eternity”.  On Repaying Debts of Gratitude, p. 736

In his writing “On Rebuking Slander of the Law and Eradicating Sins”  p. 438, the Daishonin mentions that the future propagation of the Eternal Dharma of the Lotus Sutra was entrusted by Shakyamuni - not to Maitreya, but - to the “Bodhisattvas” of the Earth :  

“The Buddha did not entrust these five characters to Maitreya, Medicine King,

or the others of their group.

Instead he summoned forth the bodhisattvas….from the great earth of Tranquil Light

and transferred the five characters to them”.

Nichiren viewed Maitreya as “one of the protective forces” and a function of “guarding and helping” the Bodhisattvas of the Earth:

“Moreover… all the bodhisattvas, Bodhisattva Maitreya …

will guard and protect the votaries of the Lotus Sutra,  

so one may indeed rest assured”.

Reply to the Mother of Ueno, WND1 p 1074

In view of Nichiren Buddhism, each person embodies the character of “the Maitreya” because Maitreya is a metaphor for the function of compassion :

“The name Maitreya means ‘Compassionate One’

and designates the Votaries of the Lotus Sutra”

(Orally Transmitted Teachings p 143).

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