Bodhisattva

Definition

A bodhisattva is an enlightened being in Mahayana Buddhism who has made a vow to attain Buddhahood for the sake of all sentient beings, embodying compassion and selflessness. This concept highlights the aspiration to help others achieve enlightenment while delaying one's own complete liberation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The bodhisattva ideal encourages individuals to prioritize the welfare of others and demonstrates the interconnectedness of all beings in the pursuit of enlightenment.
2. Bodhisattvas are often depicted in Buddhist art with specific iconographic features, such as multiple arms or unique attire, to symbolize their abilities and compassionate nature.
3. In different cultures, like Tibetan and East Asian, the portrayal and significance of bodhisattvas can vary, reflecting local beliefs and artistic styles.
4. The concept of the bodhisattva has influenced various forms of Buddhist practice, encouraging rituals and prayers that invoke their compassionate qualities.
5. Prominent figures like Avalokiteshvara and Manjushri represent various aspects of the bodhisattva path, showcasing how these beings guide practitioners toward enlightenment.

Review Questions

• How does the bodhisattva ideal shape the understanding of enlightenment in Mahayana Buddhism?
  • The bodhisattva ideal reshapes enlightenment in Mahayana Buddhism by emphasizing that it is not solely an individual achievement but rather a collective goal that includes the welfare of all sentient beings. Practitioners aspire to become bodhisattvas, developing compassion and selflessness while postponing their own final enlightenment. This perspective transforms the path into one focused on service and altruism rather than personal liberation alone.
• Discuss how the artistic conventions for depicting bodhisattvas differ from those used for Buddha images.
  • Artistic conventions for bodhisattvas often include attributes like multiple arms or specific symbols that represent their compassionate action and readiness to help others. In contrast, Buddha images typically focus on serene expressions and meditative postures that signify enlightenment. While both types of figures share certain visual elements, such as lotus flowers or specific mudras, bodhisattvas emphasize active engagement with the world compared to the more transcendent nature of Buddha representations.
• Evaluate the impact of cultural contexts on the portrayal and interpretation of bodhisattvas in different Buddhist traditions around Asia.
  • Cultural contexts significantly influence how bodhisattvas are portrayed and interpreted across various Buddhist traditions in Asia. For example, in Japan, Kannon (the Japanese form of Avalokiteshvara) embodies compassion in a manner that resonates with local aesthetics and values. Similarly, Tibetan Buddhism incorporates unique elements into depictions of bodhisattvas that align with its rich iconographic tradition. These adaptations highlight how cultural beliefs shape not just artistic representations but also the roles these figures play in local religious practices, demonstrating the dynamic nature of Buddhist art as it interacts with diverse cultures.

Related terms

Mahayana Buddhism: A major branch of Buddhism that emphasizes the role of the bodhisattva and the pursuit of enlightenment not only for oneself but also for the benefit of all beings.

Avalokiteshvara: A prominent bodhisattva in Mahayana Buddhism, known as the embodiment of compassion and often depicted with multiple arms to help many beings at once.

Paramitas: The virtues or perfections practiced by a bodhisattva, including generosity, ethics, patience, diligence, meditation, and wisdom, which are essential for attaining enlightenment.