Bodhisattva

[ boh-duh-suht-vuh ]

noun

, Buddhism.

1. a person who has attained prajna, or Enlightenment, but who postpones Nirvana in order to help others to attain Enlightenment: individual Bodhisattvas are the subjects of devotion in certain sects and are often represented in painting and sculpture.

Bodhisattva

/ ˌbɒd-; ˌbəʊdɪˈsætvə; ˌbəʊdiːˈsʌtvə; -wə /

noun

1. (in Mahayana Buddhism) a divine being worthy of nirvana who remains on the human plane to help men to salvation Compare arhat

Word History and Origins

Origin of Bodhisattva¹

1820–30; < Pali, Sanskrit

Word History and Origins

Origin of Bodhisattva¹

Sanskrit, literally: one whose essence is enlightenment, from bodhi enlightenment + sattva essence

Example Sentences

Pieces being returned include a bronze sculpture called The Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara Seated in Royal Ease, made sometime between the late 10th century and early 11th century.

From Seattle Times

Among the pieces being returned include a bronze sculpture called “The Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara Seated in Royal Ease” made some time between the late 10th century and early 11th century.

From Seattle Times

The sculpture of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara Padmapani — the benevolent “lord who looks on from above” and “lotus bearer” — dates to the ninth or 10th century.

From New York Times

Namo Buddha, I supplicate the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas of the three times and ten directions to bestow Their blessings upon Your Majesties.

From BBC

The 20-inch gilt bronze statue of a Buddhist Bodhisattva was stolen from a Japanese temple in 2012 by South Korean thieves, who were caught trying to sell it after returning home.

From Reuters