# Hall of the Heavenly Kings

Just inside the Mountain Gate, this is the second building on the temple's central axis and the passage towards the Mahavira Hall. It is also called Maitreya Hall. Six sacred figures are enshrined here: Maitreya in the centre, the Four Heavenly Kings on the two sides, and Weituo behind Maitreya. Together they teach ways of living and protect the practice of the Dharma.

## Maitreya in the centre

Maitreya's name means “the loving one.” He is the Buddha foretold to follow Shakyamuni, so he is also called the Future Buddha.

The large-bellied, smiling figure facing the entrance is based on Qici, the Cloth-Bag Monk of the Five Dynasties period, who came to be recognised as a manifestation of Maitreya. Buddhist tradition teaches that Maitreya will descend to this world and become a Buddha after Shakyamuni's teachings have run their course.

His bare chest, round belly and open smile suggest a heart large enough to make room for things that are hard to bear. He welcomes visitors with a reminder to put down anger and attachment, and enter with kindness and good humour.

**The story of the Cloth-Bag Monk**

During the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, a monk named Qici lived in Fenghua, Zhejiang. He was stout, spoke in unpredictable ways and carried a cloth bag on a staff through the markets. People called him Budai, the Cloth-Bag Monk. Before his death, he left this verse: “Maitreya, the true Maitreya, appears in countless forms; always showing himself to people, yet they do not recognise him.” People then understood him to be Maitreya's manifestation.

From the Song dynasty onward, this figure gradually replaced earlier images of Maitreya seated with crossed ankles or with his legs lowered. One familiar story is “A Hundred Children Playing with Maitreya.”

**The story and its meaning:** Children followed the kind monk through the streets, climbing on him, pulling his ears and bag, and touching his belly. Instead of getting angry, he laughed and joined in their play.

**Its place in Chinese culture:** The scene brings together Buddhist kindness towards all beings with traditional hopes for many children, family happiness and good fortune. In sculpture and New Year pictures, it shows both Maitreya's patience with the world and people's wish for a full, happy family life.

**The inner court of Tushita Heaven**

The scriptures say that, after Shakyamuni's passing, Maitreya resides in the inner court of Tushita, the fourth of the six heavens of the desire realm. There he teaches celestial beings in a pure and peaceful setting.

Followers of Maitreya may seek birth there so that they can study with him. When he later returns to the human world for the three assemblies beneath the dragon-flower tree, they can accompany him, much as Shakyamuni's disciples accompanied their teacher.

The Tang monk Xuanzang followed this practice and is traditionally said to have been born in Tushita's inner court. Maitreya is also regarded as a patriarch of the Yogacara, or Consciousness-Only, school. The *Yogacarabhumi*, associated with his teaching, examines the eight consciousnesses—the five senses, mental consciousness, manas and alaya—as well as the three natures and three kinds of absence of intrinsic nature, karmic seeds and the four aspects of cognition. It is a central text of that school.

**The three dragon-flower assemblies**

The scriptures foretell that, when human conduct and lifespan reach the appropriate conditions, Maitreya will descend from Tushita and teach three great assemblies beneath the dragon-flower tree, helping countless beings. The interval is commonly given as 5.67 billion years, though the Chinese word *yi* in these accounts is an ancient large-number term.

## Dhritarashtra, King of the East: responsibility and balance

**His name:** “Upholding the country” can also be applied to caring for a family or maintaining our own practice.

**His lesson:** Everyone has responsibilities—as a parent, child, employee or leader. Doing our part well is how we support our family and society.

**His pipa:** A string pulled too tight will snap; one left too loose will not sound properly. The instrument needs the right tension. It reminds us to avoid extremes and find a balanced way of dealing with people and events, much like the Confucian teaching of moderation and the Buddhist Middle Way.

## Virudhaka, King of the South: keep learning and improving

**His name:** “Growth” means continuing to develop our conduct, knowledge, wisdom and everyday skills.

**His lesson:** Buddhism asks for steady improvement rather than simply repeating old habits. As the Confucian saying puts it, renew yourself today, tomorrow and every day. A society that stops learning falls behind.

**His sword:** This is the sword of wisdom, cutting through attachment, distress, mistaken views and bad habits. Clear understanding is needed for real progress in both everyday and spiritual life.

## Virupaksha, King of the West: observe widely, stay steady

**His name:** “Wide eyes” means widening our view and paying close attention to the world.

**His lesson:** To live and work well, we need to notice people, customs and changing conditions. Careful observation helps us know where we stand.

**His dragon or snake and jewel:** One hand holds or is wrapped in a dragon or snake; the other holds a precious jewel.

**The dragon or snake:** It represents the unpredictable changes in society, people's minds and our surroundings.

**The jewel:** It represents a steady, sincere mind. Whatever changes around us, we can keep our principles and judgment rather than being pulled along by every temptation.

## Vaishravana, King of the North: listen, learn and protect the mind

**His name:** “Much hearing” means listening widely to worthwhile teachings and learning from others.

**His lesson:** Virupaksha asks us to look; Vaishravana asks us to listen. Together they encourage broad learning. Hearing the Dharma and good advice helps our understanding grow.

**His parasol:** A parasol or canopy keeps out wind and rain. It also represents protecting a clear mind, especially when so much online content competes for our attention.