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Maitreya - The Future Buddha

buddha of the future future buddha golden mean golden ratio maitreya maitreya buddha maitri mantras microtones plant music quantum continuum Jul 12, 2024

Exploring Maitreya: The Buddha of the Future

Here is a recitation of various mantras associated with Maitreya or the Future Buddha. The “spooky” music is actually using a scale based on the golden mean ratio which means the sounds are outside of the usual scales we are used to listening too and so appears dissonant and weird.

The sounds in this piece are generated by a Basil plant playing in this golden mean scale as I recited the mantras to it, then I layered the recitations fresh on top of this sound world it had created. Microtonal tunings open up a new palette of sounds and ways of putting them together, that challenge how we hear music and what we deem as normal or pleasant. A simplistic way of understanding microtones is imagining notes in between the usual piano keys 🎹 you would see.

This sound world is in praise of the Buddha of Future times in a kind of wormhole space time continuum bed of music. The scale means that each note you hear is spaced according to the golden mean ratio. The notes selected by the basil plant in “response” to the mantras recited to its leaves are what you 👂

For me, the key is to see the continuum of the three times—past, present, and future—as a flowing, dynamic playfulness rather than a static barrier to be crossed. We often talk about healing the past to make our present more balanced and healthy, but what if we realised that we can also journey into the future to heal both our present and past? We are time travellers already. Viewing Maitreya as a part of ourselves, as well as a Buddha guide and friend, offers a profound source of wisdom and teachings. Maitreya represents a place in the heart and mind where we can find sanctuary beyond the limitations of time, within a quantum continuum of inner peace and love from which we can draw inspiration and integrate it into our now.

We are always connected to the three times without separation, existing beyond time. Shifting our focus away from strict definitions and towards the joy and playfulness of completeness allows us to see all layers of reality and time itself as a playground for learning and discovering love. This perspective is both helpful and warming.

You can use this mantra recording as a means of connecting with Maitreya and his teachings. Focus on the essence being communicated through the heart, and worry less about specifics. Don’t let details distract you from the relaxation and peace found in the feeling—the soul of the sounds. Listen to how they are spoken beyond the realm of sound. Let your heart feel their pulse and radiance, understanding that this is a conversation you are already invited to attend, one that you have always been part of and are continuing.

Remember, you can visit the future to find help and guidance for the present. We often talk about learning from the sages and teachers of the past, but what if we also learn from those of the future? This, for me, is the gold of practising and reciting the mantras. Why not embrace both? Better yet, see it all as one and the same, an infinite continuum from which we can learn and bring back wisdom.

The Root Mantra

NAMO RATNA TRAYAYA
Homage to the Three Jewels

NAMO BHAGAVATE SHAKYAMUNIYE TATHAGATAYA ARHATE SAMYAK SAM BUDDHAYA
Homage to Lord Shakyamuni, Tathagata, Arhat, Perfect Buddha

TADYATHA: OM AJITE AJITE APARAJITE
Thus: Om Invincible, Invincible, Unconquered

AJITAN CHAYA HARA HARA
Conquer the Unconquered, take, take

MAITRI AVALOKITE KARA KARA
You Who Look Down with Friendliness, act, act

MAHA SAMAYA SIDDHI BHARA BHARA
Bring the fulfillment of your great pledge

MAHA BODHI MÄNDA VIJA
Shake the seat of great awakening

SMARA SMARA ATMAKAM SAMAYA
Remember your pledge for us

BODHI BODHI MAHA BODHI SVAHA
Awakening, great awakening, svaha

The Heart Mantra

OM MOHI MOHI MAHA MOHI SVAHA
Om fascinating, greatly fascinating, svaha

The Close Heart Mantra

OM MUNI MUNI SMARA SVAHA
Om sage, remember, svaha

Five Reflective Prompts to Accompany Your Meditation Practice

Exploring Time Continuum:
- Reflect on your understanding of time. How does viewing the past, present, and future as a continuous flow, rather than separate entities, change your perception of your life and experiences?
Journey into the Future:
- Consider the concept of journeying into the future to heal the present and past. What guidance or wisdom do you imagine your future self might offer you today? How can this perspective help you address current challenges?
Connection with Maitreya:
- Visualise Maitreya as both a part of yourself and a guiding presence. In what ways can seeing Maitreya as a friend and source of wisdom influence your daily decisions and spiritual practice?
Harmonising Energies:
- Think about the ‘sweet’ and ‘angry’ energies within you. How can you integrate these contrasting forces to achieve balance and wholeness in your life? What practices or thoughts help you harmonise these energies?
Timeless Sanctuary:
- Reflect on the idea of a sanctuary beyond time, a place of inner peace and love. How can you create and maintain this sanctuary in your heart and mind? How does this timeless space influence your actions and thoughts in the present moment?