Brief Introduction of Bodhisattva

In Buddhism, a bodhisattva is a spiritual seeker who has reached enlightenment but postpones their own ultimate nirvana in order to empathetically help other beings reach enlightenment. The phrase "enlightened being" is a combination of the words bodhi ("awakening") and sattva ("being"). A key figure in Mahayana Buddhism, bodhisattvas represent selfless compassion and are frequently portrayed wearing elaborate, princely clothing instead of monk's robes to symbolize their ties to the material world.

Early Buddhism

In pre-sectarian Buddhism, the term bodhisattva referred to Gautama Buddha in his previous lives and during the period in his last life before he attained enlightenment. It essentially means a being "bound for enlightenment." Early texts, such as the Pali Nikayas and Chinese Agamas, describe the bodhisattva’s spiritual journey as focused on three key areas: overcoming negative states of mind, developing mental tranquillity, and cultivating deep insight.

The Acchariyabbhutadhamma-sutta highlights the miraculous qualities of the bodhisattva, including his mindfulness in the Tuṣita heaven and the signs that accompanied his birth. The path to becoming a bodhisattva is defined by a deliberate resolution to become a Buddha, made in the presence of a living Buddha, and a prediction from that Buddha confirming one's future enlightenment. This is exemplified in the story of Gautama's previous incarnation, Sumedha, who made a vow to the Buddha Dipankara and received his prophecy.

The Jataka tales, recounting the past lives of Gautama Buddha, popularized the bodhisattva ideal, showcasing acts of compassion and self-sacrifice. Additionally, the belief in Maitreya as the future Buddha, whose path was also predicted by Gautama Buddha, is another early doctrine related to this ideal.

Differences in Buddhist Traditions

Mahayana Buddhism

A significant subset of Buddhism, Mahayana is distinguished by its focus on enlightenment for the good of all beings, which is represented by the bodhisattva path. It became the largest Buddhist sect in the world after spreading from ancient India throughout East Asia, including China, Japan, and Korea. Central to Mahayana thought are bodhisattvas, beings who delay their own enlightenment to assist others, and the concept of sunyata (emptiness), which states that all phenomena lack inherent reality.

Theravada Buddhism

Traditionalist Theravada Buddhism places a strong emphasis on the Buddha's original teachings, the Pali Canon, and achieving enlightenment via self-effort and monastic life. The ultimate aim is to become an Arhat—a completely enlightened being who attains Nirvana and breaks free from the cycle of reincarnation (samsara). "Theravada," meaning "the way of the elders," reflects its commitment to the oldest Buddhist scriptures and traditions.

Role of the Bodhisattvas

An enlightened being who has delayed their own ultimate liberation (Nirvana) in order to assist all other sentient beings in achieving enlightenment is known as a Bodhisattva, and they are a key figure in Mahayana Buddhism. Deep compassion (karuna) and the desire to awaken (bodhicitta) are the driving forces behind the role.

A Bodhisattva exemplifies the ideal of selfless service by choosing to stay in the cycle of birth and death (samsara) until all beings are free from suffering. They commit themselves to practicing the six perfections (paramitas)—generosity, morality, patience, diligence, meditation, and wisdom—over countless lifetimes. Figures such as Avalokitesvara, who symbolizes limitless compassion, and Manjusri, who represents transcendent wisdom, are revered as models of altruism.

Famous Bodhisattvas

• Manjusri ("Gentle Glory"): The primary bodhisattva of wisdom, often depicted as a youthful prince.
• Avalokitesvara ("Lord who gazes down at the world"): The compassionate savior bodhisattva.
• Vajrapani ("Vajra in hand"): The guardian and protector of the Buddha, symbolizing power.
• Maitreya ("Friendly One"): The future Buddha who will appear in the world to renew the Dharma.
• Ksitigarbha: Known for his vow not to become a Buddha until all beings in the hell realms are liberated.

Female Bodhisattvas

Female bodhisattvas, who embody compassion, wisdom, and other enlightened attributes, are central in Mahayana Buddhism. Prajnaparamita-devi, the personification of ultimate wisdom, represents the teachings of the Prajnaparamita sutras. The most revered female form is Guanyin (Kannon in Japan), a manifestation of Avalokitesvara, worshipped as the embodiment of compassion and often portrayed in motherly form.

Bodhisattvas are often androgynous, symbolizing the transcendence of gender, with Avalokitesvara appearing in both masculine and feminine forms. Another prominent figure is Tara, especially honored in Tibetan Buddhism as a savior and protector. Female bodhisattvas feature prominently in many Mahayana sutras, underscoring their vital role in the journey toward enlightenment.