Answer: Maitreya
Notes: The correct answer is [C] Maitreya. In Buddhist eschatology, Maitreya is regarded as the future Buddha who will appear on Earth, achieve complete enlightenment, and teach the pure dharma.
- Maitreya (Statement C – Correct): According to Buddhist tradition, Maitreya is a bodhisattva who currently resides in the Tushita Heaven. He is expected to manifest in the world when the teachings of the current Gautama Buddha have been completely forgotten. He is often depicted in art sitting on a throne or standing, waiting for his time to descend and "save the world" by renewing the path to nirvana.
- Avalokiteshvara (Statement A – Incorrect): He is the Bodhisattva of Compassion (Karuna). He is the most popular bodhisattva in Mahayana Buddhism and is believed to postpone his own Buddhahood until he has helped every sentient entity achieve enlightenment.
- Padmapani (Statement D – Incorrect): Padmapani (the "Lotus-Bearer") is actually a specific form or manifestation of Avalokiteshvara. He is famously depicted in the Ajanta Caves (Cave 1) holding a blue lotus.
- Lokesvara (Statement B – Incorrect): "Lokesvara" translates to "Lord of the World" and is another title frequently used for Avalokiteshvara, particularly in Southeast Asian Buddhism (e.g., at the Bayon temple in Angkor).
