Maitreya
Maitreya is the embodiment of the loving-kindness of all Buddhas. His hands are in the gesture of teaching Dharma, holding the stems of two lotuses symbolizing his omniscient wisdom of the three times.
The lotus on the right of Maitreya supports the Wheel of Dharma, symbolizing that he is the fifth founding Buddha of the thousand Buddhas of this Fortunate Aeon (Buddha Shakyamuni is the fourth). The vase on his left is filled with life-giving nectars. He is seated in a posture indicating his readiness to arise in response to the needs of the world.
At the time of Buddha Shakyamuni, he manifested as a Bodhisattva disciple.
