Which reference to Indian history, who among the following is a future Buddha, yet to come to save the world?

1. A. Avalokiteshvara
2. B. Lokesvara
3. C. Maityera
4. D. Padmapani

Answer: C

Explanation

The universe of the Great Vehicle contains numerous Bodhisattvas, chief of whom, from the earthly point of view, is Avalokiteshwar (“The Lord who Looks Down”), also called Padmapani (“The Lotus-Bearer”) also called Lokesvara in Sanskrit ( The Lord of the World). His special attribute is compassion, and his helping hand reaches even to Avici, the deepest and most unpleasant of the Buddhist purgatories. Another important Bodhisattva isManjusri, whose special activity is to stimulate the understanding, and who is depicted with a naked sword in one hand, to destroy error and falsehood, and a book in the other, describing the ten paramilas, or great spiritual perfections, which are the cardinal virtues developed by Bodhisattvas. Vajrapani, a sterner Bodhi¬ sattva, is the foe of sin and evil, and, like the god Indra, bears a thunderbolt in his hand. The gentle Maitreya, the future Buddha, is worshipped as a Bodhisattva. Also worthy of mention is Ksitigarbha, the guardian of the purgatories, who is thought of not as a fierce torturer, but rather as the governor of a model prison, doing his best to make life tolerable for his charges, and helping them to earn remission of sentence.