The prophecy in Buddhism regarding the "person at the end" primarily centers around the coming of Maitreya Buddha, the next Buddha who is foretold to appear after a period of great societal and spiritual decline. This prophecy emphasizes the restoration of the Dharma (Buddhist teachings) and the ushering in of a new age of prosperity and moral renewal.

Prophecy of Maitreya Buddha

Maitreya is considered the prophesied future Buddha who will appear after the disappearance of the teachings of the historical Buddha, Shakyamuni. This prophecy is detailed in various Buddhist texts, including the Pali Canon and Mahayana scriptures:

- Timing of Appearance: Maitreya is prophesied to come 5,000 years after the passing of Shakyamuni Buddha (approximately 4600 CE) [1]. By this time, it is said that the knowledge of the Dharma will have been forgotten, and humanity will have descended into moral and societal decline, marked by greed, lust, violence, and impiety [1].

- Role in Renewal: Maitreya will restore the Dharma and lead humanity into a new golden age. His teachings will be "lovely in its beginning, middle, and end," and he will be accompanied by thousands of monks who will follow the holy life in its purity [2][4].

Characteristics of Maitreya

Maitreya is described with qualities that emphasize his role as a savior and restorer of peace:

- Spiritual Abilities: Maitreya is said to be fully enlightened, possessing supreme wisdom, conduct, and morality. He will guide humans and celestial beings alike, just as Shakyamuni did [1][2].

- Physical and Moral Characteristics: He is often depicted as a compassionate figure, bringing peace and prosperity to a humanity ravaged by moral decline. His emergence is predicted to involve the gradual shrinking of oceans, symbolizing an easier path for people to unite [2].

- Worldly Context: Maitreya will appear in a city called Ketumati (identified as modern-day Benares or Varanasi), where he will achieve enlightenment and establish a pure land for his followers [1][4].

Maitreya's Teachings and the New Age

Upon his arrival, Maitreya will teach humanity about virtuous and non-virtuous actions, aiming to reintroduce the ten virtuous deeds (e.g., abstinence from killing, stealing, and lying) to counteract the dominance of immoral behaviors at that time [1][4]. This period will mark the zenith of a new golden age where human lifespans increase, moral conduct thrives, and societies flourish.

Interpretation of the Prophecy

The prophecy of Maitreya extends beyond just being a foresight of a future event:

- Cyclic Nature of Time: In Buddhist cosmology, time is seen as cyclic. Human morality and lifespan rise and fall cyclically, and Maitreya’s arrival is seen as a pivot point to reestablish balance when it is most needed [1].

- Symbol of Hope: Maitreya represents the hope for renewal and the possibility of universal brotherhood in a time of despair. As such, he is revered not only as the next historical Buddha but also as a spiritual savior who bridges the decline and revival of humanity [1].

Conclusion

The prophecy of the "person at the end" in Buddhism focuses on Maitreya Buddha, who is destined to bring about a major transformation in human society. He will restore the Dharma, guide humankind toward enlightenment, and establish a golden age of peace and morality. This belief continues to inspire hope and faith within Buddhist communities worldwide.

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