OFFICE OF SIRIDANTAMAHĀPĀLAKA / HSWAGATA MUSEUM – INTERNAL USE
Template No.: T05
Related Research Case IDs: Case 5 – Metteyya Aspiration & Long-Term Legacy
Date: ____ / ____ / ______
Prepared by / Role: ________________________________________________
Confidentiality Level:
[ ] Public summary [ ] Internal [ ] Restricted / Sacred
1. BACKGROUND & PURPOSE
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Describe the project, institution, archive, or initiative that is being
planned “for future generations” or in connection with Bodhisatta
Metteyya (e.g. long-term relic centre, museum, trust, education fund):
Project / initiative name:
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Context:
(e.g. inspiration from teachings on Metteyya, concern for future decline
of sāsana, desire to protect relics and knowledge over many generations)
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Main goals of this legacy plan:
(e.g. keep relics safe; preserve records; train future custodians;
support future practice and learning)
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Guiding question (case-based):
What concrete records, structures, and institutions must we build now so
that future custodians (possibly in the time of Metteyya) are not
confused, misled, or left without guidance?
Notes:
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2. BUDDHIST DOCTRINAL–ETHICAL LENS
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Key relevant teachings:
(e.g. Bodhisatta Metteyya; impermanence of sāsana; kalyāṇamitta
spiritual friendship across generations; stewardship as dāna and sīla;
non-ownership of relics and institutions)
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Understanding of “Metteyya-oriented” work:
- This plan is motivated by hope and compassion for future beings.
- It is NOT an excuse for passivity or “waiting for the future Buddha.”
- It must strengthen present practice and ethics.
[ ] Clearly understood
[ ] Needs more teaching / explanation
Guiding reflection:
How can hope for Bodhisatta Metteyya encourage ethical action NOW
(e.g. clean governance, careful record-keeping, wise training), rather
than passive waiting, fantasy, or escape from present responsibilities?
Practical applications:
- What present-moment behaviours express genuine care for future beings?
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- What attitudes/actions would contradict this aspiration (e.g.
corruption “because it will all end anyway”, laziness, neglect)?
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Planned ethical commitments for this legacy project:
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3. PEACE, CONFLICT & SDGs
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Possible risks for conflict or harm connected to this legacy plan:
(e.g. disputes over control of “Metteyya fund”; unrealistic promises
about future rewards; exclusion of people who do not share this
aspiration; conflicts with state or other institutions)
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How can this Metteyya-oriented legacy plan support:
- Negative peace: avoiding power struggles, inheritance disputes,
unclear ownership of relics and properties?
- Positive peace: stable, fair institutions; shared responsibility;
equal access to heritage and knowledge for future generations?
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Structural / cultural violence risks:
(e.g. creating a culture of fantasy instead of responsibility; encouraging
people to ignore present injustices because “future Buddha will fix it.”)
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Mitigation ideas:
(e.g. connect Metteyya narrative with active justice work now; emphasise
ethical governance and compassion in all decisions)
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SDG links (tick all that apply):
[ ] SDG 11.4 – Protect cultural and natural heritage
[ ] SDG 16 – Peace, justice, and strong institutions
[ ] SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
[ ] Other: ___________________________________________________________
4. GOVERNANCE, ROLES & PROCEDURES
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Bodies responsible for this legacy plan:
(e.g. board of trustees, Saṅgha council, museum committee, external
partners)
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Decision-making structure:
(who decides on use of funds, relics, archives, properties over time)
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Continuity and succession:
- How will future custodians be chosen or trained?
- How will knowledge be transmitted (manuals, archives, training)?
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Documentation and archiving:
- Key documents to produce (MoUs, charters, ethical codes, inventories)
- Where and how they will be stored (physical/digital; backup systems)
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Relevant internal rules/policies or MoUs:
(e.g. 15 Principles, anti-corruption policy, archival policy,
succession guidelines)
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5. ACTIONS / DECISIONS & H96 REFLECTION
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Planned actions to build a strong Metteyya-oriented legacy:
(e.g. draft charter; create archive; register trust; design training
curriculum; set up transparent financial system)
Action / person responsible / deadline:
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Long-term milestones:
(5-year, 10-year, 25-year goals if relevant)
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H96 reflection:
“What would a peace-oriented H96 custodian put in place NOW so that
future custodians – perhaps even in Metteyya’s era – inherit institutions
that are honest, transparent, compassionate, and non-violent?”
Reflection notes:
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Check:
Does this legacy plan show genuine trusteeship (protecting Dhamma, relics,
and people), or are there signs of wanting to control the future, build a
personal monument, or secure personal fame?
[ ] Genuine trusteeship
[ ] Some risk of ego / control (explain and respond):
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6. RISK & SAFEGUARDS
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Key risks:
(e.g. mismanagement of long-term funds; documents lost; archives not
maintained; future leaders not trained; political interference; decline
of ethical standards)
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Safeguards and mitigation measures:
(e.g. multi-signature accounts; regular audits; clear archival system;
periodic reviews; open reporting to community; strong codes of conduct)
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7. FOLLOW-UP & LEARNING
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Review schedule for this Metteyya-oriented legacy plan:
[ ] Annual review
[ ] Every 3 years
[ ] Other: ___________________________
Next review date:
____ / ____ / ______
Follow-up actions and responsible persons:
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Learning and adaptation:
- What did we learn from this planning round?
- What must be adjusted to keep the plan realistic, ethical, and
peace-promoting?
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Notes for future custodians:
(brief guidance or message for future generations who may read this form)
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