While digging up online references for the connections among Rabindranath Tagore, Mircea Eliade and a woman named Maitreyi Devi (or even the concept of Maitri, for that matter), a rather comprehensive Islamic site came my way.
For various reasons, this page of discussion on the nature of the messiah struck me the most. These excerpts in particular:
Kalki: In Hindu mythology, the tenth and last in the standard list of Visnu’s avataras, who is to come in the future. The earliest known description of Kalki is in [the Mahabharata], but he is not identified with Visnu until some uncertain later date. He is usually described as a warrior brahman who will arise to punish evil-doers at the end of the kaliyuga.
1. After shushing the translation/transliteration nazi in me, I was pleasantly shocked and amazed at stumbling across such an open acknowledgment of a faith so different from Islam, along with a discussion of its eschatology as follows.
The Messiah or Savior idea was also familiar to Jainas and Buddhists believe that their Lord will come again to redeem His People appearing as Maitri and with Hindus as their tenth Avatara ‘Kalki’ who as a Lord of light will ride a milk-white steed, wield a golden scimitar, and overthrow all enemies and efface evil and unbelief-views readily adopted by Christians and Muslims. Let us start with Buddhism. Referring to Buddhism the same dictionary states:
Maitreya (Skt., ‘loving one’: Pali, Metteyya; Chin.’ Mile-fo; Korean, Mituk; Jap., Miroku). One of the five earthly Buddha’s, the embodiment of all-embracing love, who is expected to come in the future as the fifth and last of the Buddha’s. In early Buddhism, Maitreya dwells in the Tusita heaven (the realm of the fully delighted gods), waiting for the decline and eclipse of Buddhism. when he will become the next Buddha -in about 30000 years time. This belief was further developed in all Mahayana countries, and above all in Tibet, where he is known as byams pa (champa). It is a particular commitment of Gelugpa to prepare for his coming. He is depicted usually with feet placed firmly on the ground, ready to step into the world.
If one ignores all the scimitar-wielding (I just don’t have the triceps for it) and destruction of non-believers prattling:
2. Maitri has a Korean, Japanese and Chinese iteration? Quite a few cool-sounding synonyms in that linguistics lesson. Again, I marvel at the comprehensive manner in which the writer has compiled all of this information. [This is one of the reasons I love the intarwebs.]
3. Holy crap, I’m the savior! My mom interjects: Now, you listen here! She’s not the messiah! She’s a very naughty girl! Now, go away!
A colorful portrait of the Buddha Maitreya and a link to his depiction in far-eastern cultures:
hmm… i came across your site in search of the geology of lingams. Your blog, here obviously mentions both, though I don’t see that they are mentioned in conjunction. I stayed because you have quite a bit going on, here. This post even linds Buddhism to Monty Python. Works for me!!! I’d like it if you would check out my website(s) and get back with me, especialy if you know (or would like to know) about the geology of lingams.
peace.
cool. Ah to be able to read Saanskrit texts like we read English.
Someday………