Maitreya and blessing the thousand pieces

and blessing the thousand pieces into which Avalokiteshvara’s former head had split

they took on a religious significance

The circulatory of the wheel indicates continuity of cyclic existence

their fortune-granting and protective powers

Maitreya and blessing the thousand piecesMaitreya is a bodhisattva currently residing in the Tushita Heaven, but in the far distant future when the teachings of this present Buddha become lost and forgotten, Maitreya will manifest as a Buddha on earth to propagate the perfect path to enlightenment once more. The story of how the teachings of Maitreya came to India goes as follows. Once Bodhisattva Asanga sat meditating on the image of Maitreya. Though he practiced for many years, Maitreya