With reference to Indian history, who among the following is a future Buddha, yet to come to save the world ?
- (a) Avalokiteshvara
- (b) Lokesvara
- (c) Maitreya ✓ UPSC's answer
- (d) Padmapani
Why the answer is (c)
• Maitreya is the future Buddha who, according to both Theravada and Mahayana traditions, now resides in Tushita heaven and will descend to earth to teach the dharma anew when it has been forgotten — option (c).
• Avalokiteshvara (a) is the bodhisattva of compassion; Padmapani (d) ('lotus-bearer') is one of his forms, famously painted at Ajanta Cave 1; Lokesvara (b) is another name of Avalokiteshvara.
• Hence option (c).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) Avalokiteshvara
- Avalokiteshvara is the bodhisattva of compassion, not the future Buddha.
- (b) Lokesvara
- Lokesvara is another name for Avalokiteshvara.
- (d) Padmapani
- Padmapani is a form of Avalokiteshvara.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2018, held on 3 June 2018. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.