For many religions, the term eschatology is a known philosophy. This philosophy essentially describes the end of the days of the world, spiritual awakening, a religious apocalypse, or a some sort of a high magnitude religious event that happens in the future after a low point in the humanity. Now, some believe this change will occur in December 2012 whereas others find no relation to 2012 or the others do not believe eschatology at all. According to Buddhism, at the end of the teachings from Gautama Buddha (the current Buddha we know), Maitreya Buddha will appear on earth to establish Buddhism again and re-unite the world. He will be a world teacher who will be able to teach new Buddhism and show the people Nirvana (the ultimate happiness one can achieve eliminating the life cycle from one soul to another). Maitreya Buddha is depicted in many forms but the most famous is the laughing Buddha with a pot-belly. It was said that the earth will be a dreadful place with internal violations, natural disasters, external influences and many other unpleasant activities before the arrival of the new Buddha. This same concept is comparable to other religions around the world including return of the Jesus Christ in Christianity, Hadith of Gabriel in Islam, Messiah in Judaism, Saoshyant of Frashokereti in Zoroastrianism (ancient Iranian religion), and Kalki in Hinduism.
Tags: 2012, Buddha, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Maitreya, Nirvana, Religious Awakening, Zoroastrianism
