The Role of Maitreya Buddhism in Fostering Harmony in Multicultural Societies: Doctrinal, Ritual, and Social Contributions

This study investigates the role of Maitreya Buddhism in fostering harmony within a multicultural society, focusing on Bandung, West Java. Through qualitative methods—including fieldwork, in-depth interviews with religious leaders and community members, and participant observation—this research explores how Maitreya doctrines, rituals, and social practices promote internal solidarity and address societal challenges. Key findings highlight doctrines like the Senyuman of Love and Ajita Spirit as frameworks for interpersonal harmony and resilience. Rituals such as Bhakti Puja foster collective identity, while social practices, including free medical services, Mandarin language training, and interfaith dialogue initiatives, extend the religion’s societal impact. These results demonstrate Maitreya Buddhism's capacity to integrate spiritual teachings with social outreach, making it a potent tool for social cohesion. The study provides insights for policymakers and religious organizations aiming to promote tolerance in pluralistic societies, offering a novel perspective on religion’s transformative role in managing cultural diversity.