The Return of Krishna, Maitreya, Christ, ET and so on

[AgnosticBoy]

It seems every major religion has a messianic type figure that will return to Earth at some point. Christianity says that Christ will return to Earth.

In this thread, lets also see what other religions have to say about the return of some messianic figure. Does Islam have one? Hinduism? What about even non-believers? Perhaps for the non-believers it will be the first contact with some extraterrestrial?

For Discussion:
1. Who are these supposed high evolved beings that will return? Why do religions have this common theme?
2. Which one would you like to see return and why?

 

[AgnosticBoy]

2. Which one would you like to see return and why?

I don't know which one I would like to see return, but it would be interesting if we enter a sort of Messianic era where we have many stepping up to the plate declaring themselves as a guide or person to save the world. I mean we do have that to some extent now with various spiritual gurus and others trying to gain a following, but it seems 1st century Israel was a time when it was more widespread. In fact, Acts 5:35-37 and other passages document this:

Acts 5:35-37

35 And he said to them, “Men of Israel, take care what you are about to do with these men. 36 For before these days Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. 37 After him Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and drew away some of the people after him. He too perished, and all who followed him were scattered.

Luke 21:8

” And he said, “See that you are not led astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and, ‘The time is at hand!’ Do not go after them.

I'd have to look more into the coming of Krishna. Maitreya i first learned about on a radio show called Coast To Coast AM. A speaker called Benjamin Creme caught my eye because he explained this Christ-like figure in very ordinary terms. From what I gathered, Maitreya is a spiritual master among many other spiritual highly evolved masters. Benjamin explained it on the show as though there was room for many Messianic figures and almost as if any of us could evolve to be one. Unfortunately, I can't find a free version of that show yet but another interview...

 

[AgnosticBoy]

Here's more on messianism mainly from the perspective of the Hindu faith...

Many people throughout history have looked and are currently looking for a savior of some kind to appear on Earth to save them, redeem them, liberate them, usher in peace, a new world, etc., and this can be seen throughout the religious and spiritual traditions. What is the nature of this messianism archetype in the various traditions, and what might it mean in mysticism? Will there be a future “messiah,” or does this point to a mystical reality?

The Jews are looking for the Messiah. The Christians are looking for (Jesus) Christ’s second coming (which Muslims also share). Buddhists are looking for Maitreya Buddha’s appearance on Earth. Hindus are looking for the coming of Kalki, the final avatar of Vishnu. Taoists look towards the coming of Li Hong, a messianic figure.

Source: https://www.thymindoman.com/the-mystical-messiah-in-the-worlds-traditions/
(I can't vouch for its accuracy because i couldn't find the author's credentials... but article was still well written).

Focusing on Hinduism messianic beliefs:

Krishna is the eighth incarnation of the Hindu God Vishnu, who, according to Hindu belief, has come in every cosmic age to save humankind from its sin and folly. Perhaps in an attempt to gain favor with India's Buddhists, Hindus decided that Vishnu's ninth incarnation was Lord Buddha, whom the Hindu Gandhi called the greatest ever teacher of non-violence.

In stark contrast, Vishnu's tenth and final incarnation has striking similarities with Christ's second coming. Hindus believe, and appear to have substantial evidence for it, that our age is particularly violent and sinful, and this means that a great warrior savior, his name is Kalki, will come astride a white horse to slay all unbelievers with his mighty sword.

Source: https://www.webpages.uidaho.edu/ngier/KrishnaChrist.htm

And here's the Ai from a Google Search: "is there a hindu messiah?"

While Hinduism doesn't have a single, universally recognized "messiah" in the same way as Abrahamic religions, it does feature the concept of Kalki, a future avatar of Vishnu who will restore Dharma (righteousness) at the end of the Kali Yuga.

• In Hindu cosmology, Kalki is envisioned as the tenth and final avatar of Vishnu, who will appear at the end of the Kali Yuga (the current age of decline).
  
  
• Restoration of Dharma:
  Kalki's primary role is to restore Dharma (righteousness) and combat the forces of chaos and evil that are prevalent during the Kali Yuga.