A FINE SILVER-INLAID AND INSCRIBED BRONZE FIGURE OF MAITREYA Tibet, 15th /16th ct. H. 14,2 cm Bodhisattvas are beings who have attained enlightenment but renounce entering the state of Nirvana in order to show all beings the way there. The bodhisattva path to the salvation of all sentient beings from the cycle of birth and death is the ideal of Mahayana Buddhism ("Great Vehicle"). On his path, the bodhisattva has to pass through ten stages, developing the following ten perfections: Generosity, Moral Conduct, Steadfastness, Heroism, Meditation, Wisdom, Capacity for Right Instruction, Determination, Strength and Knowledge. In the doctrine of the bardo (night-death state), the Eight Mahabodhisattvas, of which Maitreya is one, symbolise the psychic and physical organs of perception, the starting points of cause and effect of the sufferings of human existence. The Bodhisattvas are guardians of the eight modes of consciousness and helpers of unredeemed beings on the path to enlightenment. Their cosmic assignment corresponds to the four cardinal directions and the four intermediate directions. Maitreya is assigned to the south-east. He is of white-yellow body colour, his body aggregate, is the hearing consciousness. His hands show the gesture of teaching, and at the same time he holds lotus branches on which are a water bottle and a bundle of jewels. Behind his fivefold crown of wisdom, the symbol of a stupa is visible. Maitreya is also regarded as the Buddha of a coming auspicious age, and is revered as the embodiment of all-embracing love, especially in dark times as a sign of hope. Very carefully crafted bronze sculpture, eyes inlaid in copper and silver, glass cabochons, unsealed. Old Bavarian private collection, acquired at Schoettle Ostasiatica on 24.9.1980, No. 2144 (DM 4950.-). Published: Schoettle Tibetica No. 37, April 1979, No. 2144 Very minor traces of age