Bodhisattva

Definition

A bodhisattva is a being who has generated the intention to attain Buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings, often delaying their own enlightenment in order to help others achieve it. This concept highlights the altruistic aspect of Buddhist practice and emphasizes compassion as a core principle. The bodhisattva path involves cultivating virtues and following specific practices to support both personal enlightenment and the liberation of others, connecting deeply with teachings like the Eightfold Path and differing doctrines in early Buddhist schools.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The concept of the bodhisattva is central to Mahayana Buddhism, which prioritizes compassion and altruism in contrast to the earlier Theravada tradition.
2. Bodhisattvas are often associated with specific vows, such as the aspiration to attain enlightenment for themselves only after aiding all sentient beings.
3. Famous bodhisattvas like Avalokiteshvara and Manjushri embody specific qualities, such as compassion and wisdom, making them significant figures in Mahayana practices.
4. The bodhisattva path involves cultivating the Six Perfections (Paramitas), including generosity, ethical conduct, patience, effort, meditation, and wisdom.
5. In addition to personal practice, bodhisattvas also engage with the community, emphasizing teachings that support collective well-being and understanding.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of bodhisattva challenge traditional notions of individual enlightenment in Buddhism?
  • The bodhisattva ideal shifts focus from solely personal enlightenment to include the welfare of all sentient beings. Instead of pursuing Buddhahood for oneself alone, a bodhisattva takes a vow to assist others on their path. This selfless commitment highlights the importance of compassion in Buddhist philosophy and reflects a more communal approach to spiritual growth, suggesting that one's own liberation is intertwined with that of others.
• Discuss how the teachings of the Eightfold Path relate to the actions and motivations of a bodhisattva.
  • The Eightfold Path provides a practical framework that guides individuals towards ethical conduct, mental discipline, and wisdom—all vital for a bodhisattva's journey. By practicing right action, right speech, and right livelihood, a bodhisattva ensures that their actions align with compassionate intentions. Additionally, right intention and right mindfulness are critical for cultivating awareness and motivation to help others achieve liberation, underscoring how adherence to this path supports the bodhisattva’s commitment to altruism.
• Evaluate the role of early Buddhist schools in shaping diverse interpretations of the bodhisattva ideal and its significance in modern Buddhism.
  • Early Buddhist schools laid foundational doctrines that shaped how bodhisattvas are understood today. Theravada Buddhism typically emphasizes individual enlightenment through personal effort, while Mahayana Buddhism expands this perspective by incorporating collective well-being through the bodhisattva path. This divergence has led to varied practices within modern Buddhism where some schools focus more on altruism and communal responsibility. The interpretations stemming from these early teachings continue to influence contemporary practices, emphasizing compassion's role in both personal development and societal harmony.

Related terms

Buddhahood: The state of perfect enlightenment and awakening, characterized by the absence of ignorance and suffering, which a bodhisattva aspires to achieve for the benefit of all beings.

Compassion (Karuna): A fundamental quality emphasized in Buddhism, referring to the deep awareness of the suffering of others and the desire to alleviate that suffering, central to the bodhisattva ideal.

Mahayana Buddhism: A major branch of Buddhism that emphasizes the bodhisattva path and compassion as essential components of spiritual practice, distinguishing it from earlier schools of thought.