Maitreya

Maitreya

December 2025

There are many prophesies that there will be a return of a great spiritual leader. In Christianity it’s a return of Jesus, in Judaism it’s the Messiah. In the Buddhism the next Buddha is called Maitreya and predicted to arrive in an era of decline. The word Maitreya stems from the Sanskrit word for friendship. There’s a story told that this future Buddha will arrive as, not one spiritually gifted person, but as a community. I mentioned this to a friend the other day and she reminded me of Thich Nhat Hanh’s words, “It is said that the next Buddha will be named "Maitreya," the Buddha of Love. I believe that Maitreya might not take the form of an individual, but as a community showing us the way of love and compassion.” I don’t know if this was a passing thought or if he read it in Buddhist scriptures but this idea resonated with me. Scriptures are stories, or prophecies, passed down through the ages. We create new stories to respond to new times. Perhaps our time calls for, not a solitary savior, but a community of heart centered people working together to preserve life.

In that light, I am starting to see Maitreyas pop up wherever communities gather, as well as in quiet places; at rallies, in Zoom meetings, at the market. There are Maitreyas who are working to protect voting rights in their communities, Maitreyas who are working tirelessly to see that no one in their community goes hungry, Maitreyas who offer art programs to children whose fathers have been swept off the streets into a dangerous unknown. Maitreyas don’t distinguish between “our” people and “their” people, they just serve people who are suffering. They may not know it but they have been preparing for this moment through all the years of blessed abundance. Now they understand why they went on retreat, went to church, went to therapy, read self-help books. Their lives are becoming meaningful and dedicated to kindness. Even in the heart of darkness they feel a strange, stirring joy. I’ve noticed that these Maitreyas often carry a burden of self- doubt as they watch the speeding train of greed and hatred overcome all they hold dear. They see the enormity of the problem and feel helpless and powerless to change things. Nothing they do feels like enough.

You are Maitreya and I am Maitreya, whether we are Buddhist, Catholic, Hindu, Jewish, Islamic or anything else. What I want to say to all of you Maitreyas reading this (you know who you are!) is that your service, however small it appears to you, is essential and you are not alone, there are many, many more fellow life affirmers pulling with you. As you work hard remember to also relax and enjoy your life. Your happiness is not a betrayal to those who are suffering. For you to add more suffering to the mix does not add value. It actually makes things more difficult. Fill your coffers with love and art and friends. Then you will have more to give. Take heart that you are not alone, there are millions, of us. And, thank you for your service as we move into this new year. You are essential.