According to Buddhist scriptures, Maitreya will be the next Buddha to bring teachings of loving-kindness to the world. Eventually, the relics will be enshrined in a 500-ft/152-m bronze statue of Maitreya Buddha that is being built in Kushinagar, northern India.
Maitreya Project puts the teachings of loving-kindness into action by:
- building the 500ft/152m Maitreya Buddha statue – a magnificent monument to loving-kindness intended to inspire people all across the world to think and act with kindness
- providing, free of charge, spiritual, education and healthcare facilities in Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, one of the poorest areas in northern India.
- providing immediate and long-term employment.
- helping to develop the area's infrastructure.
- serving as a focus and influence for sustainable, positive development in this emerging part of India.
“The very name ‘Maitreya’ means loving-kindness – in today's world, we really need loving-kindness. This Project is really wonderful and is the result of great courage and determination, and from the depths of my heart I appreciate and applaud this wonderful project.”
– His Holiness the Dalai Lama
The Tour is being sponsored and hosted by the Buffalo Museum in conjunction with the Buffalo Community Outreach Group for the celebration of the Dalai Lama in Buffalo. The Tour will be on display at the museum on October 21 - 22, 2006. There is NO entrance charge but donations are welcome.