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[Alexandr Korol]

Tusita is the fourth heaven from the bottom among the six heavens of the World of Desire (Kāmaloka), as described in the sūtras. Beings are reborn in the Tusita Heaven who have observed the five precepts — do not kill, do not steal, do not commit sexual misconduct, do not lie, and do not consume intoxicants — and who have cultivated, through good deeds and meditation, the boundless states of consciousness: Loving-Kindness, Compassion, Sympathetic Joy (Rejoicing in the happiness of others), and Equanimity (Impartiality) — in other words, the qualities that form the essence of the awakened mind. It is in this realm that bodhisattvas are reborn. According to Mahāyāna sūtras, the Buddha Shakyamuni, before being reborn on Earth two and a half thousand years ago, first dwelled in this heaven.

The Advent of Maitreya
The appearance of Maitreya will coincide with the establishment of a new school that surpasses the teachings of Gautama Buddha. It is foretold that Maitreya will attain enlightenment in seven days (the minimum time), thanks to the preparation of many past lives (analogous to the stories in the Jātakas about Shakyamuni Buddha). Maitreya’s arrival is marked by the following natural phenomenon: the oceans will shrink in size so that Maitreya can easily cross them. Furthermore, the true Dharma will be revealed to humanity, enabling the creation of a new world. Among the signs that are to herald the appearance of the final Buddha are the cessation of death, war, hunger, and disease, and the beginning of a new society founded on tolerance and love.

The Image of Maitreya in Other Cultures
To some extent, the image of Maitreya in other beliefs and cultures is analogous to figures such as Kalki-Avatar (an incarnation of Vishnu in Hinduism), Saoshyant in Zoroastrianism, and the Messiah in the religions of various peoples around the world.”

“Kalki — the Messiah in Hinduism — the Avatar of Vishnu, His Tenth Incarnation. In Hinduism, Kalki is the messianic figure, the tenth and final avatar of Vishnu. Vishnu in this avatar is depicted either as white on a black horse or black on a white horse. In his hand is a flaming sword with which he destroys enemies,