Bodhisattva

Bodhisattva, Sanskrit term meaning “one who is destined for or whose essence is enlightenment”. The term originally referred to the historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, during his previous births and the part of his career before his Great Enlightenment. In Mahayana Buddhism, the term refers to the individual who has passed through ten stages to spiritual perfection, but out of compassion chooses to delay the final reward, nirvana, to work for the salvation of all other sentient beings, especially by transferring good karma to them.

Bodhisattvas are usually conceived as personifications of particular virtues of the Buddha. Thus, Manjusri, with his book and sword of knowledge, represents the Buddha's wisdom, and Samantabhadra his happiness. Avalokitesvara, the Lord Who Looks Down, personifies compassion. These bodhisattvas, regarded as celestial saviours, became popular objects of devotion throughout East Asia. Maitreya, the Bodhisattva of loving kindness, is recognized by Theravada Buddhists as the future Buddha.