Maitreya, from a word meaning loving-kindness, is the bodhisattva who will be the next buddha of this world. Buddhists of many traditions have prayed to be reborn in his presence, and he is often depicted seated as if ready to rise. In China he merged with the laughing figure of Budai.
Maitreya
The future Buddha, now a bodhisattva in the Tuṣita heaven, who will come when the Dharma has been forgotten.
Also: Metteyya, Mile