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.

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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

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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

Among the pieces being returned include a bronze sculpture called “The Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara Seated in Royal Ease” made some time between the late 10th century and early 11th century.

From Seattle Times

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

Namo Buddha, I supplicate the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas of the three times and ten directions to bestow Their blessings upon Your Majesties.

From BBC

A 12th-century Bodhisattva is on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in May.

From Washington Post