Bodhisattva

American  

[boh-duh-suht-vuh] / ˌboʊ dəˈsʌt və /

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 British  

/ 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

---

Etymology

Origin of Bodhisattva

1820–30; < Pali, Sanskrit

Compare meaning

How does bodhisattva compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• Bodhisattva vs. Buddha

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 • Dec. 15, 2023

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 • Aug. 3, 2023

According to auction house Bonhams, the piece is a very rare wood figure, a religious work depicting the Buddhist Bodhisattva Guanyin made in the 12th-13th century under the Jin dynasty.

From Reuters • Jun. 10, 2023

First, you’ve got to inform the spiritual leader of the people of Tibet and current manifestation of Avalokiteśvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion; next, 35,000 Instagram followers; then, maybe, family and friends.

From The Guardian • Sep. 20, 2018

Turn karuna ke saagar Turn palankarta bail Mary full of grace Ajahn Chan Bodhisattva, release me from suffering...

From "Ship Breaker" by Paolo Bacigalupi