Advertisement

Advertisement

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

/ ˌbəʊdiːˈsʌtvə; ˌbɒd-; ˌbəʊdɪˈsætvə; -wə /

noun

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


Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of Bodhisattva1

1820–30; < Pali, Sanskrit

Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of Bodhisattva1

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

Discover More

Compare Meanings

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

Discover More

Example Sentences

Here, when Buddha was a Bodhisattva, he gave away his head to a man; and from this circumstance the kingdom got its name.

On the four sides are niches, with a Buddha seated in each, and a Bodhisattva standing in attendance on him.

The Bodhisattva went forward to the patra tree, placed the kusa grass at the foot of it, and sat down with his face to the east.

The sound of the Bodhisattva's body falling down stirred the curiosity and the anger of the tigress.

As soon as she perceived the lifeless body of the Bodhisattva, she rushed hastily upon it and commenced to devour it.

Advertisement

Word of the Day

axolotl

[ak-suh-lot-l ]

Meaning and examples

Start each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!

By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement


BodhidharmaBodhi Tree