Bodhisattva

Definition

A bodhisattva is a being who has attained enlightenment but delays entering nirvana in order to help others achieve enlightenment as well. This concept is central in Mahayana Buddhism, where the bodhisattva is seen as a compassionate figure dedicated to alleviating the suffering of all sentient beings. Bodhisattvas often embody virtues such as compassion and altruism, and they are depicted in various forms in art and sculpture, serving as inspirations for followers on their spiritual journeys.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Bodhisattvas are often depicted in Gupta sculpture with elaborate iconography, representing their virtues through specific hand gestures (mudras) and attributes.
2. The most famous bodhisattvas include Avalokiteshvara and Manjushri, each representing different aspects of enlightenment, such as compassion and wisdom.
3. In Gupta art, bodhisattvas are frequently shown in graceful poses, adorned with ornate jewelry and clothing, signifying their divine nature and appeal.
4. The concept of the bodhisattva emerged prominently during the Gupta period, influencing not only religious practices but also artistic expression throughout South Asia.
5. Bodhisattvas are considered role models for practitioners, demonstrating how to live a life dedicated to serving others while on the path to enlightenment.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of a bodhisattva enhance the understanding of compassion in Mahayana Buddhism?
  • The concept of a bodhisattva enhances the understanding of compassion in Mahayana Buddhism by emphasizing that enlightenment is not just an individual goal but also involves helping others. Bodhisattvas represent the ideal of selflessness, choosing to remain in the cycle of rebirth to assist all sentient beings in overcoming suffering. This understanding shifts focus from personal attainment to collective liberation, encouraging practitioners to embody compassion in their daily lives.
• Analyze how bodhisattvas are represented in Gupta sculpture and what these representations signify about societal values during that period.
  • Bodhisattvas in Gupta sculpture are represented with elaborate iconography, including intricate clothing, serene facial expressions, and symbolic hand gestures. These artistic choices reflect societal values that emphasized compassion and altruism as ideal virtues. The prominence of bodhisattvas in art indicates a cultural appreciation for spiritual figures who embody these qualities and highlights the importance placed on communal welfare alongside individual enlightenment during the Gupta period.
• Evaluate the impact of the bodhisattva ideal on contemporary Buddhist practices compared to earlier traditions.
  • The bodhisattva ideal has significantly impacted contemporary Buddhist practices by reshaping how practitioners view their spiritual journeys. Unlike earlier traditions that may have focused more on individual liberation, modern interpretations encourage active engagement in social welfare and community service inspired by bodhisattvas. This shift fosters a broader understanding of compassion and interconnectedness among practitioners today, promoting a vision where achieving personal enlightenment goes hand-in-hand with aiding others on their paths.

Related terms

Mahayana Buddhism: A major branch of Buddhism that emphasizes the ideal of the bodhisattva and promotes the idea that anyone can attain enlightenment and help others do the same.

Avalokiteshvara: A prominent bodhisattva in Mahayana Buddhism, known for embodying compassion and often depicted with multiple arms to help numerous beings simultaneously.

Nirvana: The ultimate goal in Buddhism, representing the liberation from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara) and the cessation of suffering.