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

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of Bodhisattva¹

1820–30; < Pali, Sanskrit

Word History and Origins

Origin of Bodhisattva¹

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

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.

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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.

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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.

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

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The 20-inch gilt bronze statue of a Buddhist Bodhisattva was stolen from a Japanese temple in 2012 by South Korean thieves, who were caught trying to sell it after returning home.

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