“Mile”(彌勒) is a transliteration of the Sanskrit word Maitreya, meaning “benevolence.”

Passing the stone steps of the main entrance and entering the Maitreya Hall, one is greeted by the smiling statue of Maitreya Bodhisattva.

Maitreya Bodhisattva, also known as the “Future Buddha of Tusita Heaven,” is regarded as the successor of Shakyamuni Buddha. Buddhist teachings foretell that Maitreya will descend to the human realm to guide sentient beings toward enlightenment. Maitreya Bodhisattva now dwells in Tusita Heaven, where he teaches the Dharma within its inner courtyard.

The iconic image of Maitreya Bodhisattva, characterized by a cheerful smile, a cloth sack, and a round belly, originates from the Five Dynasties period and is based on the monk Qieci, also known as Budai. Tradition holds that he was an incarnation of Maitreya. Before passing, he left a verse: “Maitreya, true Maitreya, manifests in countless forms; often appearing before people, yet they fail to recognize him.” Hence, he is fondly known as the “Big Belly Buddha” or “Happy Buddha.”

Inside the hall, there is a stone plaque inscribed with the words “Inner Court of Tusita,” adorned with red relief carvings of a continuous fret pattern on the top, bottom, and sides. Below the inscription, decorative intertwined vine motifs, based on curling leaves and stems, symbolize the solemnity and auspicious imagery of the Buddha realm.