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From: dogen@casbah.acns.nwu.edu (John Chq)
Subject: Re: Some Questions (2)
References: <1991May29.192025.13902@nas.nasa.gov>
Date: Thu, 30 May 91 15:56:17 GMT
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In article <1991May29.192025.13902@nas.nasa.gov> moorthy@hctdemo.leis.bellcore.com (moorthy) writes:
>
>	What do different Buddhistic schools say about the next Avatar?
>	(Is there a concept of Avatar in Buddhism?)
>	
>	Is there an authentic account of "Kalki" Avatar ( the next Avatar) in 
>	Hindu scriptures?
>	/moorthy



Concerning Buddhism, as I recall, during this 'cycle of time' there are 3
bodhisattvas, Dipankara who arrived before the Buddha, Siddhartha who was
the historical Buddha, and Maitreya who is yet to arrive (though the
Theosophists claim Krishnamurti was the incarnation of Maitreya).  There is
an interesting Buddhist 'prophesy', in the Tibetan tradition (?) which
states that "when the iron bird flies and horseless carraiges are used, the
Dharma will be born in the land of the red man."  I'm not exactly sure of
the accuracy of my recollection.  I'm sure others on this board are more
knowledable on this subject.

I should also add that the zen tradition, while not disagreeing with this
prophesy, says it is of little importance whether or not the Avatar
Maitreya comes or not.  What is most important is your awarness of this
present moment of existence.  Of course, this is also the tradition that
says "If you meet the Buddha on the road, kill him!" (Please don't take
this literally). 8-)
							J. C.
-- 
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-- John Cha
"The present is always more interesting than the future or the past"
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