The Bodhisattva Maitreya is the Protector Loving Kindness, who appeared as one of the chief disciples of the Buddha Shakyamuni. Before the Buddha Shakyamuni left the pure realm of Tusita, to appear on earth to benefit beings, he crowned Maitreya and enthroned him as his regent. On his crown Maitreya bears a Stupa, the monument with the relics of his teacher.

In the future, when the teachings of the Buddha Shakyamuni diminish and are no longer remembered, Maitreya will manifest on earth to teach the dharma anew; therefore he is commonly referred to as the Future Buddha.

The Buddha Shakyamuni appeared as the 4th Buddha of his eon. The Tai Situpa will appear as Maitreya, the 5th Buddha of this eon to teach the dharma anew. Likewise, the Gyalwa Karmapa will appear as the 6th Buddha of this eon.

Maitreya is the source of numerous lineages, including the great transmission of Asanga and many other masters.

The source of the Situ Rinpoche line of masters is from the Bodhisattva Maitreya. At Sherab Ling Monastery in India, Maitreya stands as the central statue in the shrine.