Bodhisattva

Definition

A bodhisattva is an enlightened being in Mahayana Buddhism who, motivated by compassion, seeks to attain Buddhahood not just for themselves but for the sake of all sentient beings. This ideal emphasizes selfless service and the altruistic desire to help others achieve enlightenment, reflecting key principles of love, compassion, and wisdom in Buddhist teachings.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The concept of bodhisattva was a significant development in Mahayana Buddhism, which began to emerge around the 1st century CE as a response to earlier forms of Buddhism that primarily focused on individual enlightenment.
2. Bodhisattvas are characterized by their vow to postpone their own entrance into nirvana until all beings have been saved from suffering, showcasing deep compassion and commitment to helping others.
3. In various texts and teachings, bodhisattvas are often depicted with specific qualities or virtues, such as generosity, moral discipline, patience, diligence, and meditative concentration.
4. Important bodhisattvas include Avalokiteshvara, who represents compassion; Manjushri, who embodies wisdom; and Ksitigarbha, who vows to aid beings in hell.
5. The bodhisattva path includes practices such as the six paramitas (perfections), which are generosity, ethical conduct, patience, joyous effort, concentration, and wisdom.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of a bodhisattva differ from earlier interpretations of enlightenment in Buddhism?
  • The bodhisattva concept marks a shift from the earlier focus on individual enlightenment seen in Theravada Buddhism to a more collective approach in Mahayana Buddhism. While earlier interpretations emphasized personal attainment of nirvana as the ultimate goal, bodhisattvas take a vow to delay their own nirvana until all beings can achieve enlightenment. This shift reflects a greater emphasis on compassion and altruism in Mahayana teachings.
• Discuss the significance of the bodhisattva's vow and how it influences their actions within Mahayana Buddhism.
  • The vow of the bodhisattva is central to their role within Mahayana Buddhism. By pledging to work towards the enlightenment of all sentient beings before entering nirvana themselves, bodhisattvas exemplify profound compassion. This selflessness inspires practitioners to cultivate virtues such as kindness and generosity while engaging actively in the world to alleviate suffering. The bodhisattva's commitment shapes not only their personal journey but also sets an ideal for followers aiming to embody these qualities in their daily lives.
• Evaluate how the ideal of the bodhisattva has impacted Buddhist practices and beliefs across different cultures and regions.
  • The ideal of the bodhisattva has significantly influenced Buddhist practices and beliefs worldwide. In cultures like Tibet and East Asia, bodhisattvas such as Avalokiteshvara have become central figures in devotional practices and artistic representations. The emphasis on compassion has led to unique expressions of Buddhism that prioritize social welfare and community service alongside spiritual development. Additionally, this ideal has fostered intercultural dialogues about ethics and altruism, illustrating how the bodhisattva path resonates across diverse traditions.

Related terms

Mahayana Buddhism:

A major branch of Buddhism that focuses on the path of the bodhisattva and emphasizes compassion and the potential for all beings to attain enlightenment.

Nirvana: The ultimate goal in Buddhism, representing liberation from the cycle of birth and death (samsara), where one achieves a state of eternal peace and freedom from suffering.

Avalokiteshvara: A prominent bodhisattva in Mahayana Buddhism known for embodying compassion, often depicted with many arms to help countless beings simultaneously.