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In Buddhism, the Maitreya Buddha (Sanskrit: Metteyya; Japanese 弥勒 Miroku) is "The Future Buddha" (or, "The Buddha of the Future"). Maitreya is a bodhisattva of the Tusita deva realm, who Buddhists believe will come to restore the purity of thedharma. He is comparable with the Pharsi Saoshyant.

Maitreya is typically depicted sitting on an altar with both feet on the ground, indicating that he has not yet ascended to his throne.

See also: Messiah