A World Record in Sacred Bronze
Towering at 10 meters high and weighing an astonishing 80 tons, the Maitreya Buddha statue at Bai Dinh is cast entirely in monolithic bronze - a remarkable engineering and artistic accomplishment. This sacred statue has officially set the record as “The Largest Bronze Maitreya Buddha Statue in Southeast Asia”, affirming its place as a global spiritual and cultural icon.
Situated in the upper halls of the Bai Dinh Pagoda, the statue radiates calmness and benevolence, becoming a centerpiece for pilgrims and visitors seeking spiritual reflection amid the grandeur of this heritage site.
Maitreya Buddha – The Buddha of the Future
In Buddhist belief, Maitreya is the future incarnation of the Buddha - the one who will appear in the world to renew the Dharma (truth) and lead all sentient beings to enlightenment in a future age of peace. Unlike the solemn depictions of Sakyamuni Buddha, Maitreya is often portrayed with a joyful and smiling expression, a generous belly, and an aura of light-hearted compassion.
The Maitreya at Bai Dinh captures this spirit perfectly. His smile is said to be so powerful that it can dissolve anger, sorrow, and stress, transforming suffering into joy. His divine presence brings comfort, laughter, and serenity - embodying the very essence of happiness and tranquility.
A Journey of the Spirit
To stand before the Maitreya statue is to be immersed in an atmosphere of profound spiritual resonance. Visitors often report a sense of inner calm washing over them - a result not only of the statue’s scale and beauty, but also the compassionate energy it seems to exude. Whether you are a devout pilgrim or a curious traveler, the Maitreya Buddha invites you to reflect, release, and reconnect with the joy within yourself.
According to legend, Maitreya’s greatest joy is to lift the burden from others’ hearts, helping them find their way back to joy. His smile - warm, serene, and knowing - serves as a reminder that peace begins from within, and happiness is not something to be found, but something to be shared.
A Must-See in the Bai Dinh Spiritual Complex
As the heart of Bai Dinh Pagoda’s monumental architecture and deep-rooted spiritual culture, the Maitreya Buddha statue is more than a work of art - it is a beacon of hope, an embodiment of future peace, and a message from the Buddhist tradition that joy is always possible, even in difficult times.
If you are planning a journey to Ninh Binh, a visit to the Bai Dinh Pagoda - and especially to the Maitreya Buddha - is an experience that touches both the eyes and the soul. Come and smile with Maitreya, and let your spirit find the lightness it seeks.