Maitreya’s Setting Out

Source: 84000.co translation of the canonical Buddhist text
Genre: Sutra
Tradition: Mahayana

Overview

“Maitreya’s Setting Out” is a sutra that recounts past life stories of the bodhisattva Maitreya, as narrated by the Buddha Śākyamuni. The text begins with the story of Maitreya’s past life as a king named Golden Color, who first developed the aspiration for awakening under the guidance of the Buddha Pure Golden Light. This narrative highlights the initial arousal of the bodhicitta, the mind set on awakening.

The sutra also includes the story of Maitreya’s life as a monk named Dṛḍhamati during the time of Buddha Ratnacchatra. Dṛḍhamati was known for his deep meditation on loving-kindness, which led to his recognition as Maitreya, the Loving One. The text emphasizes the unborn nature of phenomena and the importance of developing a view that transcends all conceptual reference points.

Key Teachings

The Unborn Nature of Phenomena

The sutra stresses that all phenomena are ultimately unborn, unarising, and unceasing. This teaching encourages practitioners to transcend conventional perceptions and understand the true nature of reality.

Nonconceptual Inquiry

Maitreya’s approach to inquiry is highlighted as nonconceptual, aligning with the Buddha’s teaching that true understanding transcends verbal and conceptual frameworks.

Development of Bodhicitta

The initial arousal of the mind set on awakening, or bodhicitta, is a central theme, illustrated through Maitreya’s past life stories and his dedication to the path of awakening.

Role of Maitreya

Maitreya is presented as a key figure in the Mahayana tradition, with his future role as a Buddha being prophesied and his past lives serving as examples of the bodhisattva path.

Emphasis on Nonattachment

The sutra underscores the importance of nonattachment, teaching that clinging to concepts and distinctions leads to delusion and suffering.

Key Terms

Bodhicitta: The mind set on awakening; the aspiration to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all beings.
Maitreya: A bodhisattva who is prophesied to be the future Buddha.
Nonconceptual: A state of understanding that transcends verbal and conceptual thought.
Unborn: A term used to describe the ultimate nature of phenomena as not arising or ceasing.
Śrāvastī: A location where the Buddha often taught, mentioned as the setting of this sutra.
Pure Golden Light: A Buddha from a past era who guided King Golden Color, a past life of Maitreya.
Dṛḍhamati: A monk who was a past life of Maitreya, known for his meditation on loving-kindness.
Ratnacchatra: A Buddha during whose time the monk Dṛḍhamati lived.
Nonattachment: The practice of not clinging to concepts, objects, or outcomes.
Mahāyāna: A major tradition of Buddhism that emphasizes the path of the bodhisattva.

Practice Points

Cultivate an understanding of the unborn nature of phenomena to transcend conventional views.
Engage in nonconceptual meditation to deepen insight and understanding.
Develop bodhicitta by aspiring to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all beings.
Reflect on the stories of Maitreya to inspire dedication to the bodhisattva path.
Practice nonattachment by letting go of clinging to concepts and distinctions.
Study the teachings of past Buddhas to gain perspective on the path to awakening.
Embrace the Mahayana teachings to enhance one’s spiritual practice and understanding.