Significance of Mahamaitri
Mahamaitri in Tibetan Buddhism is a revered embodiment of compassion and friendship. In the Mahayana tradition, it is associated with great compassion, alongside other Buddha attributes. It embodies loving-kindness typical of bodhisattvas, motivating them to assist others. Furthermore, Mahamaitri signifies the concepts of 'great friendship' or 'universal love' of the Buddha, which are prevalent themes throughout Mahayana sutras. Overall, Mahamaitri reflects the profound connections of love and compassion central to these teachings.
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Buddhist concept of 'Mahamaitri'
Mahamaitri in Buddhism embodies great loving-kindness crucial for bodhisattvas' altruistic acts, represents a figure of compassion in Tibetan Buddhism, signifies universal love in Mahayana sutras, and is interconnected with profound compassion inherent to the Buddha's attributes.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The great loving-kindness of the Buddha that reaches all beings equally, transcending particular locations.[1] (2) A concept representing 'great friendship' or 'universal love' of the Buddha, found throughout the Mahayana sutras.[2] (3) Great loving-kindness characteristic of bodhisattvas, which drives their efforts to help others.[3] (4) A concept associated with great compassion, classified with other attributes of the Buddha.[4]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) A revered figure or embodiment of compassion and friendship in Tibetan Buddhism.[5]