Chotavan means “small rhythm” while Mahavan means “large rhythm”. These refer to the rhythms of the fire of space, the rhythm of cosmos.
Mahayana Buddhism
Mahayana Buddhism aims for the enlightenment of all beings by following the path of a Bodhisattva. Mahayana includes more scriptures and sees enlightenment as accessible to all, including laypeople.
Maithuna
One of the five M’s of the Pancatattva ritual. Maithuna means intercourse or sexuality and this is where we have the transmutation of the Ether itself.
Maitreya
Maitreya is the future Buddha prophesied to appear on Earth to achieve complete enlightenment, teach the pure dharma, and lead all beings to salvation once the teachings of the current Buddha (Siddhartha Gautama) have been entirely forgotten.
Maitreya holds a unique and highly revered status across various traditions and schools of thought:
1. In Buddhism: Maitreya is technically a bodhisattva—an enlightened being who waits in the Tuṣita Heaven, patiently biding his time until humanity needs the ultimate spiritual teachings again. The name comes from the Sanskrit word maitrī, which translates to loving-kindness or friendliness. He is often depicted in two distinct ways: seated with both legs dangling (ready to descend to Earth) or in a serene, “pensive” posture. He frequently wears jewelry, holds a small water flask, and wears a small stupa in his hair. His arrival will occur in a distant future age of peace and prosperity, during which he will guide millions of disciples to liberation.
2. In Theosophy: Maitreya was widely adopted by esoteric and New Age communities, including the Theosophical Society. In these traditions, he is often viewed as a “World Teacher” and the head of the Spiritual Hierarchy—a cosmic entity acting as a spiritual guide who can manifest in different physical and metaphorical forms across multiple religions (sometimes identified with figures like the Christ or the Imam Mahdi).
3. Historical and Artistic Influence: The concept of Maitreya has inspired breathtaking art and architecture for centuries. Notable historical representations include the colossal Southern Buddha Maitreya at the Mogao Caves in China and various intricate metal sculptures in Tibetan and Mongolian Buddhism.