Interviewer: Maitreya culture is widely recognized in China. Can you explain how it has developed over the centuries?
Wei Daoru: Maitreya culture in China has a history of nearly 2,000 years, and we can generally divide its development into two major historical phases.
The first phase, from the Eastern Han to the Sui and Tang dynasties, saw Maitreya beliefs introduced into the Chinese cultural system as a significant aspect of foreign Buddhism, quickly gaining a following. However, during the Southern and Northern Dynasties, the situation began to shift. By the Sui and Tang dynasties, Maitreya beliefs circulated among Buddhists and various societal classes, though the progression was somewhat erratic—sometimes thriving and at other times declining. This phase contained distinct Chinese characteristics, showcasing local innovations, but primarily retained elements from external Buddhist traditions.
The second phase spans the late Tang to the modern era. During this time, Maitreya culture entered a new phase of development. Popular folk tales featured the “Buddha of the Cloth Bag,” often recognized as an incarnation of Maitreya. These stories gained widespread acceptance, reflecting the localization of Buddhism in China.
In summary, Maitreya culture embodies the fruits of cultural exchange between China and India.
Interviewer: What are the characteristics and features of Maitreya culture in China?
Wei Daoru: Over two millennia, out of the numerous Buddhist figures in Chinese society, Maitreya belief has emerged as one of the cultural forms reflecting the Chinese spirit, ethos, and characteristics.
Chinese Maitreya culture results from extensive interactions and exchanges between Chinese and Indian cultures. Compared to other Buddhist figures, the Maitreya culture featuring the “Buddha of the Cloth Bag” contains more elements of Chinese spiritual heritage, deeply resonating with the Chinese worldview and values that emphasize optimism, kindness, and a sense of community.
Firstly, the Chinese conception of Maitreya is shaped by Zen Buddhist principles, representing the essence and core spirit of Zen philosophy. As the incarnation of Maitreya, the “Buddha of the Cloth Bag” exemplifies a Zen master who embodies enlightenment in every mundane act, illustrating the fundamental spirit of Zen teachings.
Secondly, the belief in Maitreya promotes virtues highly regarded in Chinese culture, such as openness, optimism, honesty, and altruism. This representation of Maitreya emphasizes compassion and care for others, which aligns with themes found in Confucianism, Daoism, and even local cultural elements in Ningbo.
Thirdly, the unique aesthetic sensibilities of the Chinese people are prominently showcased in Maitreya culture. Unlike the solemn representations of Buddhas and bodhisattvas in Indian Buddhism, the Chinese Maitreya, characterized by a carefree demeanor, hearty laughter, and relaxed postures, embodies the juxtaposition of humor and dignity, reflecting the inherent aesthetic values of the Chinese culture.
Interviewer: What significance does Chinese Maitreya culture hold today?
Wei Daoru: In contemporary society, Chinese Maitreya culture bears significant value and relevance.
To begin with, the qualities embodied in Maitreya culture—tolerance, kindness, wisdom, and joy—align closely with modern values of harmony and compassion, reflecting a deep-rooted appreciation for life and a hopeful outlook for the future among the Chinese people. These positive spiritual messages transcend religious belief, contributing to family harmony, neighborly relations, and individual mental well-being.
Moreover, Maitreya culture plays an important role in fostering a community with a shared future for humanity and promoting a harmonious world. The principles of compassion, equality, tolerance, peace, and optimism present in Maitreya culture hold invaluable worth that transcends national and ethnic boundaries, facilitating international cultural exchange and understanding, and contributing to global peace and development.
Interviewer: How is Chinese Maitreya culture spreading beyond its borders, particularly in Asia and the West?
Wei Daoru: The image of Maitreya, along with its rich spiritual resources, gradually spread throughout China and even reached countries like Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia in ancient times, showcasing remarkable international adaptability. In recent decades, the influence of Maitreya culture has extended to Europe and North America, truly becoming a global phenomenon.
A notable example of this “global outreach” can be seen through the Maitreya culture initiatives originating from Xuedou Mountain in Ningbo, which has been actively promoting Maitreya culture worldwide since 2008. This site has engaged in cultural exchange activities with over 50 countries and regions. Xuedou Mountain has also established a presence in Nepal, Cambodia, and other nations, sending a scaled-down version of the towering Maitreya Buddha statue—a 56.74-meter outdoor statue—as a gift to Cambodia.
Additionally, international activities like “Chinese Maitreya Culture Antarctic Charity” have led to a growing recognition and appreciation of Maitreya’s image among foreign friends. Maitreya is affectionately known as “the Happy Buddha” or “the Joyful Chinese,” and its cheerful visage is dubbed “the Smile of Compassion from the East,” transforming Maitreya culture into a significant cultural symbol for China.
Interviewer: Why do you think Chinese Maitreya culture is capable of being shared globally in dialogues between Eastern and Western civilizations?
Wei Daoru: The ability of Chinese Maitreya culture to be shared globally is primarily due to its unique spiritual content and broad international adaptability.
The values inherent in Maitreya culture—tolerance, kindness, wisdom, joy—closely align with universally pursued ideals of human society. These values transcend religious boundaries, becoming a universally appealing cultural resource. For instance, the emphasis on tolerance and understanding in Maitreya culture is especially relevant in today’s multicultural society, encouraging cooperation and mutual respect as we navigate our differences.
The adaptability and outreach of Maitreya culture are further evidenced by the worldwide recognition of its imagery and narratives, providing a solid foundation for its global dissemination. The Maitreya Buddha’s character—marked by open-heartedness and a ready smile—tends to resonate across diverse cultural backgrounds, promoting acceptance and appreciation of Maitreya and Chinese culture, fostering dialogues and interactions, and contributing positively to peace and development globally.
