What is a bodhisattva?

A bodhisattva is a spiritual being of central importance in Buddhism, particularly in the Mahayana and Vajrayana traditions. The term "bodhisattva" is derived from two Sanskrit words: "bodhi" and "sattva." "Bodhi" means "awakening" or "enlightenment," while "sattva" translates to "being" or "essence." Thus, a bodhisattva is literally a "being of awakening."

Bodhisattva: Definition and Meaning

In the Buddhist context, a bodhisattva is a being who aspires to attain enlightenment (or bodhi) not only for himself or herself, but for all sentient beings. He or she vows to delay his or her entry into nirvana in order to help all others achieve freedom from suffering and the cycle of rebirth (samsara). This selfless commitment is what distinguishes a bodhisattva from other Buddhist practitioners.

The Mahayana and Vajrayana Traditions

The Mahayana and Vajrayana traditions are two major branches of Buddhism that venerate bodhisattvas.
Mahayana, also known as the "Great Vehicle," emphasizes compassion and altruism, with the bodhisattva as the ultimate model.

Vajrayana, or "Diamond Vehicle," integrates Mahayana teachings with esoteric and tantric practices. In these traditions, bodhisattvas are often depicted in Buddhist art and sculpture, symbolizing their vows and infinite compassion.

Awakening and Essence: The Sanskrit Roots

The etymology of the word "bodhisattva" reveals much about its role and meaning. "Bodhi" (awakening) refers to the state of enlightenment attained by the Buddha, a state of deep understanding of the true nature of reality, free from ignorance and desires. "Sattva" (being or essence) refers to an individual or entity endowed with consciousness and will. Together, these terms indicate a being dedicated to achieving enlightenment for the benefit of all.

The Role of a Bodhisattva in Buddhism

Bodhisattvas play a central role in Buddhist practice. They serve as guides and protectors, showing practitioners the path to enlightenment. They are often invoked in prayers and meditations for their support and inspiration. Bodhisattvas are also seen as exemplars of virtue, exemplifying the ideals of compassion, wisdom, and altruism.

Characteristics of a Bodhisattva

Altruism and Compassion

Selflessness and compassion are at the core of a bodhisattva’s identity. A bodhisattva is deeply motivated by compassion for all sentient beings. He or she vows to attain enlightenment not only for oneself, but for the benefit of all beings. This vow is a commitment to help others free themselves from the cycle of suffering, known as samsara. By exercising compassion and practicing selflessness, bodhisattvas work tirelessly to alleviate suffering in the world.

Bodhisattva's Vows

Bodhisattvas take special commitments called bodhisattva vows. These vows include promises to practice virtue, accumulate merit, and help all beings attain enlightenment. The vows often include commitments not to enter nirvana until all sentient beings have been saved. Bodhisattva vows are a declaration of commitment to the path of compassion and altruism.

Six Paramitas (Perfections)

Bodhisattvas strive to perfect six principal virtues, called the paramitas. These perfections are:

1. Generosity (Dana) : Giving without expectation of return, practicing charity and sharing.
2. Ethics (Sila) : Moral behavior and adherence to precepts, living a life of virtue.
3. Patience (Kshanti) : Tolerance and acceptance of difficulties, developing resilience.
4. Effort (Virya) : Perseverance and energy in spiritual practice, maintaining diligence.
5. Concentration (Dhyana) : Meditation and development of mental concentration, cultivating a clear and focused mind.
6. Wisdom (Prajna) : Deep understanding of the nature of reality, seeking ultimate knowledge.

These six paramitas are essential aspects of a bodhisattva's practice, each contributing to one's spiritual development and ability to help others.

Reincarnation and Renunciation

Unlike arhats, who seek to attain nirvana for themselves, bodhisattvas choose to renounce their own immediate liberation. They make the decision to return to the world, incarnation after incarnation, in order to help other beings attain enlightenment. This willingness to renounce and reincarnate makes bodhisattvas spiritual guides and teachers, helping sentient beings find their own path to liberation.

Artistic Representations

Bodhisattvas are often depicted in Buddhist art with luxurious ornaments and clothing, symbolizing their role as compassionate guides. These artistic representations emphasize their commitment to remaining in the world to help others. Bodhisattvas may be depicted alone or in groups, and are sometimes accompanied by various symbolic attributes, such as lotuses, jewels, or scepters. These symbols emphasize their spirituality and devotion.

Examples of Important Bodhisattvas

In Buddhism, several bodhisattvas occupy a prominent place because of their spiritual qualities and specific roles. Here are some examples of important bodhisattvas, each exemplifying key aspects of compassion, wisdom, and altruism.

Avalokiteshvara (Guanyin in China, Kannon in Japan)

Avalokiteshvara is perhaps the most revered bodhisattva in Mahayana Buddhism. Known as Guanyin in China and Kannon in Japan, Avalokiteshvara is the bodhisattva of infinite compassion. He is often depicted with multiple arms and heads, symbolizing his ability to perceive the suffering of all beings and intervene appropriately to alleviate it. Buddhist practitioners often invoke Avalokiteshvara in their prayers and meditations for help and comfort. The mantra " Om Mani Padme Hum " is closely associated with this bodhisattva.

Manjushri

 

Manjushri is the bodhisattva of transcendental wisdom. He is often depicted holding a flaming sword, symbolizing his ability to cut through ignorance and delusion, and a book of sutras, representing Buddhist knowledge and teaching. Manjushri is particularly revered for his wisdom and discernment, and practitioners seek to cultivate wisdom by drawing inspiration from his example. Temples and statues dedicated to Manjushri can be found all over Asia.

Maitreya

Maitreya is the bodhisattva who will become the future Buddha. Currently, Maitreya is waiting in the Tushita Heaven, where he is preparing for his future coming to teach the dharma and save sentient beings. Depictions of Maitreya vary, but he is often depicted sitting or standing, with a benevolent smile, symbolizing hope and future benevolence. Temples dedicated to Maitreya are important pilgrimage sites for Buddhists who hope to be present at his advent.

Tara

 

Tara is a female bodhisattva of compassion and swift action. She is particularly revered in Tibetan Buddhism, where she is considered a protective deity. Tara has many manifestations, the best known of which are Green Tara and White Tara , each having specific powers to aid practitioners. Tara is invoked for her quickness in responding to prayers and for her ability to remove obstacles. The mantras dedicated to Tara , like "Om Tare Tuttare Ture Soha", are widely recited to gain her protection and blessings.

Samantabhadra

Samantabhadra is an important bodhisattva known for embodying the practices and vows of the bodhisattva. He is often associated with Buddha Vairocana and represents the practical activity of Buddhism. Samantabhadra is particularly revered in Tibetan Buddhism and Chinese Buddhism, where he is often depicted riding a six-tusked white elephant. Practitioners invoke Samantabhadra to develop virtue, energy in spiritual practice and devotion.

These bodhisattvas exemplify the various aspects of Buddhist practice, each bringing unique qualities such as compassion, wisdom, hope, and protection. By studying and drawing inspiration from these figures, Buddhist practitioners can deepen their own spiritual path and cultivate the virtues necessary to achieve enlightenment.

Conclusion

Bodhisattvas embody the ideals of compassion, wisdom, and altruism in Buddhism. Their commitment to helping all beings achieve enlightenment, their vows, their practice of the six paramitas, and their artistic representations make them central figures in Buddhist spirituality. By understanding the characteristics of a bodhisattva, we can better appreciate the depth and richness of the Buddhist tradition and find inspiration to practice compassion and altruism in our own lives.