Bodhisattva

Definition

A bodhisattva is a being who has generated a spontaneous wish to attain Buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings and is often depicted in Mahayana Buddhism as an enlightened figure who delays their own nirvana to help others reach enlightenment. This concept connects deeply with compassion, altruism, and the ideal of selfless service, emphasizing the importance of helping others along the path to spiritual awakening. Bodhisattvas are celebrated in various forms of East Asian art, highlighting their significance in Buddhist iconography and influence on painting and manuscript traditions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Bodhisattvas are central figures in Mahayana Buddhism, contrasting with the Theravada tradition where the focus is primarily on individual enlightenment.
2. The concept of a bodhisattva highlights the importance of compassion; they vow to help others achieve enlightenment before entering nirvana themselves.
3. Artistic representations of bodhisattvas often feature them adorned with ornate garments and jewelry, symbolizing their elevated status and divine qualities.
4. In Buddhist paintings and manuscripts, bodhisattvas are depicted in various poses and with specific attributes that convey their virtues, such as wisdom or compassion.
5. The practice of making offerings to bodhisattvas is common in East Asian cultures, reflecting their revered status as protectors and guides on the spiritual path.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of a bodhisattva differ from that of an arhat in Buddhist traditions?
  • The concept of a bodhisattva differs from that of an arhat primarily in their motivations and goals. While an arhat seeks personal enlightenment and liberation from samsara for themselves, a bodhisattva strives to attain Buddhahood not just for their own sake but also to assist all sentient beings in achieving enlightenment. This selfless commitment to helping others is a defining characteristic that highlights the broader compassionate ideals inherent in Mahayana Buddhism.
• Discuss the significance of Avalokiteshvara as a bodhisattva and how this figure is represented in East Asian art.
  • Avalokiteshvara is one of the most significant bodhisattvas in Mahayana Buddhism, known as the embodiment of compassion. In East Asian art, Avalokiteshvara is often depicted with multiple arms, symbolizing their ability to assist countless beings simultaneously. This representation serves not only as a reminder of compassion but also reinforces the ideals associated with bodhisattvas—such as selflessness and devotion to alleviating suffering—which are prevalent themes in Buddhist iconography.
• Evaluate how the teachings about bodhisattvas found in sutras impact Buddhist practice and artistic expression in East Asia.
  • Teachings about bodhisattvas found in sutras significantly influence both Buddhist practice and artistic expression in East Asia. These texts provide guidelines on cultivating compassion and altruistic behavior, which practitioners strive to embody in their daily lives. Artistically, these teachings inspire depictions of bodhisattvas that emphasize their virtues and attributes, leading to diverse representations across various media. The resulting artworks not only serve as devotional objects but also act as visual reminders of the ideals that practitioners aspire to emulate, reinforcing the core values of Mahayana Buddhism.

Related terms

Mahayana: A major branch of Buddhism that emphasizes the role of the bodhisattva and the pursuit of enlightenment for the sake of all beings.

Avalokiteshvara: A prominent bodhisattva in Mahayana Buddhism, known as the embodiment of compassion and often represented with multiple arms to aid countless beings.

Sutra: A scriptural text in Buddhism that contains teachings attributed to the Buddha, many of which detail the qualities and deeds of bodhisattvas.