On Yuan Chwang's Travels in India, 629–645 A.D. v2.c18.22

v2.c18.22

The pilgrim next tells of a tope at the place where, he says, Mei-ta-li-ya (Maitreya) P'usa received from the Buddha the prophecy of his future attainment of Buddhahood. He then explains that once, when the Ju-lai was on the Vulture Peak near Rājagaha, he announced to his disciples that at a distant period there would be born in Jambudvīpa a brahmin's son named Tzŭ (Maitreya) of a bright golden colour. This man, he adds, "will take orders and become Buddha. He will then on a large scale at three assemblies preach for the good of living creatures. Those whom he will save will be the creatures who sow good seed in my system, devoted to the Buddha, the Canon, and the Church. Whether lay or clerical, whether they keep or violate the Vinaya, all will receive religious teaching, become arhats, and attain emancipation. In the three Meetings in which Maitreya will preach he will ordain the disciples of my system, and then convert those religious friends who have the same destiny". Maitreya P'usa hearing these words of the Buddha rose from his seat and addressing the Buddha said— May I become this Maitreya Bhagavat. Buddha in reply intimated to Maitreya P'usa that he would become the Buddha of the prophecy, and carry out its predictions.