Maitreya

From “ringing the bell 108 times” as a ceremony, to great festivals of light and offerings, Lunar New Year marks the special day for the “Buddha to Come” Maitreya. On this day, we celebrate with loving-kindness and generosity — to honor his name, which translates as “loving kindness” (Maitri). He is so loving and kind, he is often just called “loving gentle friend.

The Mantra of Maitreya Buddha’s Promise

(Arya-Maitrina-pratijna-nama-dharani)

The root mantra

NAMO RATNA TRAYAYA

Homage to the Three Jewels

NAMO BHAGAVATE SHAKYAMUNIYE TATHAGATAYA ARHATE SAMYAK SAM BUDDHAYA

Homage to the Lord Shakyamuni, Tathagata, Arhat, Completely Perfect Buddha

TADYATHA: OM AJITE AJITE APARAJITE

As follows: Om Invincible, Invincible, Unconquered

AJITAN CHAYA HARA HARA

Conquer the Unconquered, take, take [it]

MAITRI AVALOKITE KARA KARA

You Who Look Down with Friendliness, act, act

MAHA SAMAYA SIDDHI BHARA BHARA

Bring, bring the fulfillment of your great pledge

MAHA BODHI MÄNDA VIJA

Shake the seat of great awakening

MARA MARA ATMAKAM SAMAYA

Remember, remember [your] pledge for us

BODHI BODHI MAHA BODHI SVAHA

Awakening, awakening, great awakening, svaha

The heart mantra

OM MOHI MOHI MAHA MOHI SVAHA

Om fascinating, fascinating, greatly fascinating, svaha

The close heart mantra

OM MUNI MUNI MARA SVAHA

Om sage, sage,

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