Bodhisattva vs. Buddha

Bodhisattva

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.

Buddha

noun

  1. Also called Gautama. Also called Butsu. Also called Goutama Buddha. Also called Goutama. Also called Gautama Buddha,. Prince Siddhāttha or Siddhartha, 566?–c480 b.c., Indian religious leader: founder of Buddhism.

  2. any of a series of teachers in Buddhism, of whom Gautama was the last, who bring enlightenment and wisdom.

  3. (sometimes lowercase),  a person who has attained full prajna, or enlightenment; Arhat.