Mongolian Statue of Maitreya

This statue of bodhisattva Maitreya is believed to be from around the turn of the 20th century. During shipping, it was unfortunately cracked around the head region, resulting in many pieces. Maitreya, meaning “friendliness” in sanskrit, is a bodhisattva, which means “one who’s goal is enlightenment.” In the bhudist tradition, once the Buddha’s teaching has faded, Maiterya will descend from heaven to re-enthuse the dharma or “law.”