Significance of Bodhisattva
Synonyms: Enlightened being, Compassionate being, Awakened one, Savior, Spiritual teacher, Spiritual guide, Saint
In Dutch: Bodhisattva; In German: Bodhisattva; In Finnish: Bodhisattva; In Spanish: Bodhisattva; In Swedish: Bodhisattva; In Malay: Bodhisattva; In French: Bodhisattva
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Bodhisattva'
The Bodhisattva in Buddhism represents an enlightened being dedicated to achieving Buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings, characterized by compassion, wisdom, and a commitment to helping others attain enlightenment.
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The title given to a being destined for Buddhahood, who plays an important role in advising and guiding King Senaka in the story.[1] (2) A term referring to the Buddha-to-be, who exemplifies compassion and wisdom in his previous lives.[2] (3) A being destined for enlightenment, who embodies qualities of compassion and wisdom, often in the context of Buddhist narratives.[3] (4) The being who, in a past life, became a gardener named 'Spade Sage' and repeatedly renounced worldly life in pursuit of enlightenment.[4] (5) A being who is destined for enlightenment, depicted as a deer in this narrative.[5]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa鈥擳he Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) A being on the path to enlightenment who is destined to become a Buddha, undergoing trials and completing spiritual practices.[6] (2) Individuals who aspire to achieve Buddhahood not only for their own enlightenment but also to help liberate other beings from suffering.[7] (3) An individual who aspires toward Buddhahood and practices the paramis to aid in the enlightenment of all beings.[8] (4) The Bodhisatta is the title given to the being who aspires to attain Buddhahood and is in a state of spiritual development preparing for enlightenment.[9] (5) A noble being who seeks enlightenment and has accumulated merit over countless existences through good deeds and the practice of perfections.[10]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) A term used to refer to the Buddha before his enlightenment, highlighting his compassion for the world.[11] (2) A being aspiring to attain enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings, exemplifying the qualities of perseverance and compassion.[12] (3) Title of the individual prior to attaining enlightenment, signifying his commitment to achieving Buddhahood for the benefit of all beings.[13] (4) A term referring to a being who seeks enlightenment and aspires to become a Buddha, emphasizing the importance of virtue and ethical behavior.[14] (5) A being who is on the path to Buddhahood, exemplifying wisdom and moral conduct, particularly in the anecdote that illustrates understanding death.[15]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life (by Ashin Janakabhivamsa)
(1) The Bodhisatta refers to Prince Paduma, who embodies various virtuous qualities including non-greed and patience.[16] (2) A being destined to become a Buddha who embarks on the path of renunciation and virtue to attain enlightenment.[17] (3) A being dedicated to attaining enlightenment, demonstrating wisdom and virtue without conceit.[18] (4) Beings who strive to attain enlightenment and save sentient beings; they fulfill their perfections primarily in the human realm.[19] (5) Bodhisattvas are holy persons accomplished in paramis, extending compassion and mett谩 to all beings.[20]
From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada
(1) A being who is on the path to becoming a Buddha, characterized by compassion and the pursuit of enlightenment.[21] (2) A being who is on the path to becoming a Buddha, characterized by the pursuit of Enlightenment and understanding of the nature of reality.[22] (3) A being on the path to Buddhahood who is destined to become a Buddha, undergoing multiple existences.[23] (4) A being dedicated to attaining enlightenment and helping others, exemplified by the Buddha and his followers.[24] (5) A being who is on the path to becoming a Buddha, reflecting deeply on existence to attain Enlightenment.[25]
From: Guide to Tipitaka
(1) The being who seeks enlightenment and embodies the ideals of compassion and self-sacrifice, as depicted in the stories.[26] (2) An individual who is on the path to becoming a Buddha, as exemplified by Gotama Buddha in his previous existences.[27]
From: Cetasikas
(1) A being who is on the path towards Buddhahood, characterized by the accumulation of perfections and wholesome qualities.[28] (2) The Buddha in his previous lives, who developed great patience and energy necessary for achieving enlightenment.[29]
From: Mahavamsa
(1) A term referring to someone on the path to Buddhahood, particularly highlighting Siddhattha's journey.[30]
From: Vinaya (2): The Mahavagga
(1) A being on the path to enlightenment, representing the potential for Buddhahood.[31]
From: The Doctrine of Paticcasamuppada
(1) An individual on the path to Buddhahood who aims to attain enlightenment to emancipate sentient beings from suffering.[32]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Enlightened beings who, motivated by compassion, work towards achieving Buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings.[33] (2) An enlightened being who seeks to attain Buddhahood and helps others on their path, demonstrating qualities like generosity and patience.[34] (3) Individuals who aspire to attain enlightenment not just for themselves but for the benefit of all beings.[35] (4) An enlightened being dedicated to aiding others in achieving enlightenment before entering nirvana.[36] (5) Enlightened beings who possess the wisdom and compassion needed to save others from suffering.[37]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) A being who has attained enlightenment but chooses to remain in the cycle of rebirth to help others achieve enlightenment.[38] (2) An enlightened being who delays their own full enlightenment to help others achieve Buddhahood.[39] (3) Enlightened beings who have vowed to help others reach enlightenment, present in the assembly and understood the teachings.[40] (4) An enlightened being dedicated to achieving Buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings, capable of remarkable spiritual feats.[41] (5) An enlightened being dedicated to helping others achieve enlightenment while postponing their own full liberation.[42]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) A being who is on the path to Buddhahood and is motivated by compassion to help others achieve enlightenment.[43] (2) A being who seeks enlightenment not only for themselves but for the benefit of all beings.[44] (3) A being who seeks enlightenment not just for themselves but also for the benefit of all sentient beings.[45] (4) Beings who aspire to attain Buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings and possess the potential to develop the five eyes.[46] (5) Enlightened beings who aspire to attain Buddhahood for the sake of all sentient beings, characterized by their accumulation of virtue and wisdom.[47]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) An enlightened being who seeks to attain Buddhahood for the sake of all sentient beings under the Mahayana tradition.[48] (2) A being who is on the path to awakening and enlightenment, embodying the compassion and wisdom of the Tathagata.[49] (3) An enlightened being who, motivated by compassion, seeks to attain Buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings.[50] (4) Enlightened beings who, motivated by compassion, seek to attain Buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings.[51] (5) An enlightened being who postpones their own final Nirvana to assist all sentient beings in achieving enlightenment.[52]
From: The gods of northern Buddhism
(1) A being on the path to Buddhahood in Mahayana Buddhism, symbolizing compassion and altruism, with the Dharmapala holding this rank in their role.[53] (2) A being who seeks enlightenment not only for themselves but also for all sentient beings, exemplified by the vow taken by Gautama Buddha.[54] (3) A Bodhisattva is an enlightened being who has made a vow to assist others in achieving enlightenment rather than entering Nirvana themselves.[55] (4) Bodhisattvas are enlightened beings who delay their own nirvana to help others attain enlightenment and are often associated with specific virtues or powers.[56] (5) A being that aspires to attain Buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings, often depicted in Buddhist art.[57]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) Compassionate beings who aspire to enlighten all sentient beings and help them achieve buddhahood.[58] (2) A being who embodies compassion and actively seeks enlightenment not only for themselves but for all sentient beings.[59] (3) An enlightened being whose primary concern is the welfare and happiness of all sentient beings, in contrast to ordinary beings.[60] (4) An enlightened being who seeks to liberate all sentient beings from suffering, demonstrating both confidence and commitment.[61] (5) A being on the path to Buddhahood who aims to attain enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings but does not possess all qualities of a buddha.[62]
From: Akshayamatinirdesha [english]
(1) These are individuals who are on the path to awakening, characterized by their independent journey, their strong determination, and their unwavering commitment to achieving complete enlightenment.[63] (2) This is the individual who continually considers thought to attain supernormal knowledge, great compassion, and ultimately, perfect awakening for themselves and others.[64] (3) The individual possessing the ability to know the thoughts of others through supernormal knowledge, understanding the past, future, and present thoughts, and employing this knowledge to teach religion and guide beings.[65] (4) The individuals whose memory and eloquence are described as imperishable in the text, are identified as having these qualities.[66] (5) The bodhisattva is a being that considers the body, observing its characteristics and impermanence while also avoiding extremes in understanding its nature and purpose.[67]
From: Lotus Sutra (Saddharma-Pundarika)
(1) A group of individuals who seek enlightenment for themselves and others, participating in the teachings and wisdom of the Tathagata.[68] (2) Enlightened beings who dedicate themselves to achieving enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings.[69] (3) Enlightened beings in Buddhism who delay their own Nirvana to assist others in achieving enlightenment.[70] (4) Beings who aspire to attain enlightenment themselves and aid others in achieving it, described here as numerous and aspiring for full development.[71] (5) Enlightened beings who have made a vow to attain Buddhahood for the sake of all sentient beings, emphasizing compassion and altruism.[72]
From: The Perfection Of Wisdom In Eight Thousand Lines
(1) Beings who are on the path to enlightenment and strive to extinguish attachments, serving as an example to others.[73] (2) A Bodhisattva is an enlightened being who has postponed their own enlightenment to help all sentient beings attain liberation.[74] (3) An enlightened being dedicated to helping others attain enlightenment, often referenced in the context of learning wisdom.[75] (4) An enlightened being dedicated to attaining Buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings, reflecting qualities of compassion and wisdom.[76] (5) An individual on the path toward enlightenment who seeks to attain Buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings.[77]
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) An enlightened being who, motivated by compassion, seeks Buddhahood for the sake of all living beings.[78] (2) Beings committed to achieving enlightenment not only for themselves but also for the benefit of all sentient beings.[79] (3) Thirty-two thousand beings well known for having achieved all the perfections leading to great wisdom.[80] (4) An enlightened being who seeks to attain Buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings, embodying compassion and altruism.[81] (5) Enlightened beings who are committed to assisting others in achieving enlightenment.[82]
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) Individuals who have made a vow to attain enlightenment for the benefit of all beings.[83] (2) Spiritual heroes who show deep reverence for the Buddha and embody profound qualities and practices for the benefit of all beings.[84] (3) A being who is on the path to enlightenment and seeks to attain Buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings.[85] (4) Enlightened beings dedicated to the attainment of Buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings.[86] (5) Beings who aspire to attain enlightenment for the sake of all sentient beings, who attend the discourse of Manjusri and Vimalakirti.[87]
From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Purvapranidhana Sutra
(1) A being on the path to Buddhahood who seeks enlightenment not only for themselves but for all sentient beings.[88] (2) A being who seeks enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings.[89] (3) A being who has attained enlightenment but chooses to remain in the cycle of existence to aid others in achieving liberation.[90] (4) Enlightened beings in Buddhism who embody compassion and altruism, supporting others on their path to enlightenment.[91]
From: Avatamsaka Sutra (flower adornment sutra)鈥擯reface
(1) Bodhisattvas are enlightened beings who help others achieve enlightenment while continuing their own journey, characterized by cultivating the Six Paramitas and the Ten Thousand Conducts.[92] (2) An enlightened being who assists others in achieving enlightenment and is often a key figure in Buddhist teachings.[93] (3) A being dedicated to achieving enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings, exemplified through compassion and wisdom.[94]
From: Lankavatara Sutra
(1) A sentient being who aspires to attain Buddhahood for the benefit of all beings, often embodying the ideal of compassion.[95] (2) An enlightened being who has taken a vow to attain Buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings.[96]
From: The 6th Patriarch Platform Sutra
(1) A being who seeks enlightenment not just for themselves but to help all sentient beings, recognized by their grasp of the Sutra's meaning.[97] (2) An enlightened being who remains in the cycle of samsara to help others achieve enlightenment.[98]
From: 础产丑颈诲丑补谤尘补办辞艣补
(1) A Bodhisattva is one who cultivates actions which produce the marks.[99]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) Enlightened beings who seek to attain Buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings, embodying the qualities of compassion and prajna.[100] (2) Bodhisattvas are enlightened beings who, motivated by compassion, dedicate themselves to the welfare of others and liberating them from suffering.[101] (3) Enlightened beings who delay their own nirvana to assist others in achieving enlightenment.[102] (4) Beings who are on the path to Buddhahood and practice for the benefit of all sentient beings.[103] (5) Enlightened beings who aspire to attain Buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings.[104]
From: The Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King (A Life of Buddha)
(1) An enlightened being dedicated to achieving enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings.[105] (2) A being destined to attain enlightenment and help others reach liberation.[106] (3) A being aspiring towards enlightenment who makes a commitment to help others achieve liberation.[107] (4) A being who is on the path to Buddhahood, seeking enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings.[108] (5) The title held by Buddha before enlightenment, indicating his role of a being aspiring to achieve awakening for the benefit of all beings.[109]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) A being aspiring to attain Buddhahood, specifically referring to Sumedha who made vows for future enlightenment.[110] (2) An individual destined for enlightenment, who undertakes the path of a future Buddha.[111] (3) An individual on the path to enlightenment, often a reference to the Buddha before achieving Buddhahood.[112] (4) The Bodhisatta is the being destined to become a Buddha, currently residing in the celestial city of Tusita, where he reflects on the right conditions for his future enlightenment.[113] (5) A being who aspires to attain Buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings.[114]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) A being who aspires to achieve Buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings, often characterized by compassion.[115] (2) A spiritual being committed to helping others achieve enlightenment, which Bari became famous for.[116] (3) Individuals who have made a vow to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings, highlighting the path phag mo gru pa adheres to.[117] (4) Enlightened beings in Mahayana Buddhism whom ma gcig encountered and revered in her visions.[118] (5) Enlightened beings in Mahayana Buddhism who help others achieve enlightenment.[119]
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) An enlightened being who has made a vow to attain Buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings.[120] (2) Enlightened beings who have passed through the ten stages and reached the highest state in Akanishtha.[121] (3) Individuals characterized by great Mercy, whose purpose is to save all beings from the cycle of Birth and Rebirth.[122]
From: The Six Yogas of Naropa
(1) With a desire for learning the way of the Bodhisattva鈥檚 actions, he should gladly undertake the Bodhisattvas鈥� responsibilities and compassionate deeds, and observe the precepts of the Bodhisattva.[123]
Hindu concept of 'Bodhisattva'
In Hinduism, Bodhisattva signifies an enlightened being who delays nirvana to assist others in attaining enlightenment, embodying compassion and self-sacrifice, reflecting the ideal of helping all sentient beings rather than pursuing individual liberation.
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) A significant figure in Buddhism who embodies compassion and altruism, often saving beings from danger, as depicted in the narrative.[124] (2) A person who aspires to attain Buddhahood, showcasing the qualities of compassion and self-sacrifice, as seen in Vinitamati.[125] (3) An enlightened being in Buddhism, who postpones nirvana to assist others in achieving it, represented by the merchant's son.[126] (4) A being who is on the path to Buddhahood and has developed compassion, often helping others.[127] (5) A character who, in the story related, cleverly outmaneuvered the Goblin to protect his father during their stay in a haunted place.[128]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) Enlightened beings in Mahayana Buddhism who postpone their own liberation to assist others in achieving freedom.[129]
The concept of Bodhisattva in local and regional sources
Bodhisattva signifies enlightened beings in Buddhism who, driven by compassion, choose to assist others in attaining enlightenment while delaying their own Nirvana. This concept underscores selflessness and compassion as essential virtues in the spiritual journey.
From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)
(1) An enlightened being who seeks Buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings.[130] (2) An enlightened being who, out of compassion, delays achieving Nirvana to assist others in their path to enlightenment.[131] (3) Enlightened beings in Buddhism who choose to remain in the cycle of rebirth to help others achieve enlightenment.[132] (4) A being who has attained enlightenment but chooses to assist others in achieving the same, linked to various events depicted in the text.[133] (5) A figure of great spiritual significance who provides guidance and direction, particularly to the prince.[134]
From: The travels of Fa-Hian (400 A.D.)
(1) Enlightened beings who assist others on the path to enlightenment.[135] (2) A being who is on the path to Buddhahood and who, in this text, is associated with the Buddha's act of charity.[136] (3) A being who has attained enlightenment but chooses to remain in the cycle of rebirth to help others achieve enlightenment.[137] (4) A being who aspires to attain Buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings, exemplified by selfless actions.[138] (5) A revered figure known for his act of giving money in exchange for flowers to offer to Dipankara Buddha.[139]
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) The term referring to the youngster who, after proving his capabilities, is eventually set on the throne.[140]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) In Buddhism, an enlightened being who seeks to help others achieve enlightenment while delaying their own final liberation.[141] (2) Enlightened beings in Buddhism that help others attain enlightenment, depicted alongside the Buddha in Chandi Mendut.[142] (3) A being committed to attaining Buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings, who, according to Kamalasila, requires prolonged training and discipline for the highest enlightenment.[143] (4) Important figures in Buddhism, depicted as part of the principal decorations in the panels of Chandi Plaosan.[144] (5) Bodhisattva is an enlightened being who has taken a vow to attain Buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings and embodies compassion in Buddhist practice.[145]
From: Buddhist Ceremonies and Rituals of Sri Lanka
(1) The term used to refer to the Buddha prior to his Enlightenment, who is noted to have been seated under a banyan tree.[146]