Maitreya, referred to by his supporters as "the Lord Maitreya", describes himself as the Teacher, and is promoted by Benjamin Creme through the organisation, Share International. Maitreya says he does not come to start a new religion, but rather to aid humanity with our problems, to inspire us to share, to implement justice, freedom, and ultimately create world peace. He also says that he will inaugurate the new time by teaching us who we really are, about our past and future, and about the art of self-realisation.

All major religions expect the return of a religious teacher, who will inaugurate a new time and/or religion. Hindus await the coming of Kalki avatar or Krishna, Muslims the Imam Mahdi, Jews the Messiah, Christians the Christ, and the Buddhists expect Maitreya (the) Buddha. Benjamin Creme claims that these are one and the same person, namely Maitreya the World Teacher.