A Maitreya Buddha thangka is a traditional Tibetan Buddhist painting depicting Maitreya, the future Buddha who is prophesied to appear in the world when the teachings of the current Buddha, Shakyamuni, have faded. Maitreya symbolizes the promise of future enlightenment, embodying hope, loving-kindness, and the continuous evolution of spiritual wisdom.
In the Maitreya Buddha thangka, Maitreya is often portrayed seated on a throne, a distinctive feature that sets him apart from other Buddhas. Unlike the meditative lotus posture commonly associated with Shakyamuni, Maitreya is typically depicted with one leg hanging down, indicating his readiness to descend into the world.
