A unique class to connect to the future Buddha, based on the teachings of the Elders (Theravada Buddhism) in Pali Canon, given by the Abbott of the first monastery in Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha Shakyamuni.

Maitreya, also known as Metteyya in Pali, is revered in the Buddhist tradition as the future Buddha—the one who will come to Earth, attain enlightenment, and teach the dharma when the teachings of the current Buddha, Gautama Siddhartha, have faded from human memory. Maitreya’s arrival is a symbol of hope, compassion, and a renewed spiritual awakening for humanity. The prophecy of Maitreya’s advent can be found in multiple sutras. These texts describe that he will be born in a prosperous city, and during his lifetime, he will achieve enlightenment under the Nāga tree. The focus in Theravada is on the cycle of Buddhas who appear to renew the dharma. In the Buddhist cosmology, Maitreya currently resides in Tushita Heaven, a celestial realm of preparation for the final rebirth. According to traditional teachings, Maitreya has been waiting there, observing the world, and preparing for his future role as the next Buddha. Maitreya is frequently depicted in a seated posture known as the Western seated posture, with his feet planted firmly on the ground rather than crossed in the lotus position. This represents his readiness to descend from Tushita Heaven to Earth. Maitreya embodies Metta, or loving-kindness, a central tenet in Buddhist practice.

The Pali Canon is the complete scripture collection of the Theravada school. As such, it is the only set of scriptures preserved in the language of its composition. It is called the Tipitaka or “Three Baskets” because it includes the Vinaya Pitaka or “Basket of Discipline,” the Sutta Pitaka or “Basket of Discourses,” and the Abhidhamma Pitaka or “Basket of Higher Teachings”. The Tipitaka is considered to be the authoritative source of Theravada Buddhism, which is the oldest surviving form of Buddhism. It is also one of the most complete records of the teachings and practices of early Buddhism. The teachings contained in the Tipiṭaka are also known as the Doctrine of the Elders [Theravāda]. Some of the monks who had heard the Buddha preach in person were Arahants, and so by definition, ‘pure ones’ free from passion, ill-will and delusion and therefore, were capable of retaining the Buddha’s words. Even those devoted monks who had not yet attained Arahantahood but had reached the first three stages of sainthood and had retentive memories could also call to mind word for word what the Buddha said. One such monk was Ānanda, the chosen attendant and constant companion of the Buddha during the last twenty-five years of his life. Ānanda was highly intelligent and gifted with the ability to remember whatever he had heard. Indeed, it was his express wish that the Buddha always relate all of his discourses to him and although he was not yet an Arahanta he committed to memory word for word all the Buddha’s sermons.