bodhisatta

A Bodhisatta, often translated as "enlightenment being" or "awakened being," is a central figure in Mahayana Buddhism. A Bodhisatta is one who has vowed to achieve full Buddhahood for the sake of all sentient beings. While they possess the wisdom and compassion to enter Nirvana, they deliberately postpone their own final liberation to remain in the cycle of rebirth (samsara) and guide others toward enlightenment. The path of a Bodhisatta is characterized by the cultivation of the paramitas, or "perfections," which typically include generosity, morality, patience, effort, meditation, and wisdom. These perfections are developed over countless lifetimes. Prominent Bodhisattvas in Mahayana traditions include Avalokiteshvara, the embodiment of compassion, and Manjushri, the embodiment of wisdom. Devotion to Bodhisattvas is common, with followers seeking their aid and guidance in their spiritual journeys. The ideal of the Bodhisatta represents a profound altruism, prioritizing the well-being of all beings over individual salvation.