Bodhisattva
A bodhisattva (Sanskrit, "being of awakening") is, in Mahayana Buddhism, a being who has attained or is close to attaining full awakening (Nirvana) but voluntarily postpones his/her own final liberation for compassionately remaining in the cycle of existences helping all beings to attain liberation. The bodhisattva ideal is the central feature of Mahayana Buddhism.
Origin and concept
The original Theravada Buddhism (preserved today in Sri Lanka, Burma, Thailand) presents Nirvana as an individual goal: the practitioner attains it for him/herself and exits samsara as arhat (liberated being). The Mahayana Buddhism (which arose in India between the 1st century BC and the 1st century AD, today predominant in China, Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Tibet) reformulated the goal: the truly evolved being should not seek personal escape, but universal compassion — vow to help all beings before enjoying complete liberation.
The vow of bodhisattva (bodhicitta): "May I attain awakening for the benefit of all sentient beings". This vow, taken solemnly in Mahayana traditions, fundamentally orients spiritual life: each personal advance is dedicated to the benefit of all living beings, especially those who suffer. The historical Buddha, in this perspective, is seen as one of multiple bodhisattvas/Buddhas; many other bodhisattvas exist, both terrestrial (specific historical figures) and cosmic (mythical figures of various Buddhas of multiple universes).
Famous bodhisattvas
Some of the most popular cosmic bodhisattvas in Mahayana traditions: Avalokiteshvara (bodhisattva of universal compassion; in China known as Guanyin in feminine form, in Tibet as Chenrezig) — the most popular and beloved bodhisattva, the Dalai Lama is considered to be his manifestation. Manjushri (bodhisattva of wisdom, with sword that cuts ignorance and book of perfect wisdom). Vajrapani (bodhisattva of energetic power, holds vajra). Kshitigarbha (bodhisattva who descends to the hells to save beings of the lowest conditions). Maitreya (Buddha future, the next Buddha to come — until then he resides as bodhisattva).
In addition to cosmic, Mahayana tradition recognises terrestrial bodhisattvas: people who in this life embody bodhisattva qualities deeply. They are not necessarily monks; they can be laypeople of advanced spiritual development who serve compassionately. Many recent and contemporary spiritual teachers (Thich Nhat Hanh, the Dalai Lama, Pema Chodron, etc.) are recognised by their followers as terrestrial bodhisattvas.
The bodhisattva path today
You do not need to be Buddhist to find inspiration in the bodhisattva ideal. The basic principle — combine personal awakening with compassionate service to others — is universal. In daily practice: 1) Meditate not only for personal peace but with intention of cultivating qualities (compassion, wisdom, equanimity) that you can then offer to others. 2) Dedicate the merit of each spiritual practice to the welfare of all sentient beings. 3) See your daily challenges (a difficult family member, a complicated work situation) as opportunities to develop compassion and practical wisdom. 4) Cultivate the basic vow: in this life, what I learn is for the benefit of others, not just for me. The bodhisattva path is the deepest antidote to spiritual narcissism.
Also known as
- Bodhisattva
- Being of compassion
- Awakened compassionate