Buddha Maitreya is the embodiment of the loving-kindness of all the Buddhas. His hands are in the gesture of teaching Dharma, holding the stems of two lotuses symbolizing his omniscient wisdom. The lotus on his right supports the Wheel of Dharma and the vase on his left is filled with life-giving nectars. He is the next Buddha that will appear in this world age – the fifth founding Buddha of the thousand Buddhas of this Fortunate Aeon (Buddha Shakyamuni is the fourth). He is seated on a throne in a posture indicating his readiness to arise in response to the needs of the world.