Bodhisattva
Bodhisattvas in Mahayana Buddhism
In Mahayana Buddhism, a Bodhisattva (Sanskrit: a person bent on and striving for Enlightenment) is a being with the determination to aid others, out of compassion, on their quest for the highest state of development, full enlightenment of a Buddha. Remaining in this world of uncontrolled rebirth (cf. Wheel of Life), this individual has taken the Bodhisattva vows not to pass into Parinirvana until all other beings have achieved at least liberation or Nirvana.
According to the Mahayana tradition of Buddhism, on his/her way to becoming a Buddha, the bodhisattva proceeds through ten stages or bhumi in Sanskrit.
- Great Joy
- It is said that being close to enlightenment and seeing the benefit for all sentient beings, one achieves great joy, hence the name. In this bhumi the bodhisattvas practice all virtues (paramita), but especially emphasizing generosity.
- Stainless
- It is named thus, for having attained the second bhumi, the bodhisattva is free from the stains of immorality. The emphasized virtue is moral ethics.
- Radiant
- It is named thus for, having attained the third bhumi, the light of Dharma is said to radiate for others. The emphasized virtue is patience.
- Luminous
- This bhumi is called 'luminous', because it is said to be like a radiating light that fully burns that which opposes enlightenment. The emphasized virtue is perseverance.
- Very difficult to train
- Bodhisattvas who attain this bhumi strive to mature sentient beings and do not become emotionally involved when they respond negatively, both of which are difficult to do. The emphasized virtue is meditative concentration.
- Obviously Transcendent
- "By depending on the perfection of wisdom awareness, he [the bodhisattva] does not abide in either samsara or nirvana, so it is obviously transcendent". The emphasized virtue is wisdom.
- Gone afar
- Particular emphasis is on the perfection of skillful means [to help others].
- Immovable
- Particular emphasis is on the perfection of aspiration.
- This is the bhumi at which one becomes able to choose his/her place of rebirth.
- Good Discriminating Wisdom
- Particular emphasis is on the perfection of strength.
- Cloud of dharma
- Particular emphasis is on the practice of primordial wisdom.
- Buddhahood
- After the ten bhumis, according to Mahayana Buddhism, one attains the complete enlightenment and becomes a buddha.
- According to Mahayana tradition, Arhats have purified their stains and all emotional afflictions, but have not yet attained complete, unsurpassable enlightenment, or buddhahood.
The list of ten bhumis and their descriptions are from The Jewel Ornament of Liberation, a treatise by Gampopa, an influential character of the Kagyu tradition.
A bodhisattva practices several virtues, called the paramitas. These are often listed as the perfection of:
- giving
- ethics
- patience
- joyous effort
- concentration
- wisdom
When attaining liberation from uncontrolled rebirth, the bodhisattva becomes like an an Arahant, but rather than moving into Nirvana, remains in the world to lead other beings to liberation and enlightenment.
Bodhisattvas in Theravada Buddhism
In Theravada Buddhism, the Bodhisattva (Pali) is an aspirant striving for Enlightenment, so that once Awakened, he or she may efficiently aid other beings with the expertise of supreme Enlightenment. In the holy Tipitaka, Siddhattha Gotama's life experience as a bodhisattva before Buddhahood is recorded in the texts of the Jataka. Lay Buddhists of Theravada seek inspiration in Gautama's skill as a good layman in these texts (which account not only tells of his historical life, but many previous lives). Believed by some to be presently acting as a bodhisattva, is Maitreya (Pali: Metteyya), known as the future Buddha to be who is said to be currently residing in the Tusita world awaiting rebirth.
Specific bodhisattvas
Various traditions within Buddhism believe in certain specific Bodhisattvas. Some Bodhisattvas appear across traditions, but due to language barriers are mistakenly are seen as separate entities. For example, Tibetan Buddhists believe in Chenrezig, who is Avalokitesvara in India, Guan Yin in China, and Kannon in Japan. A modern bodhisattva for many is the 14th Dalai Lama, considered by many followers of Tibetan Buddhism to be an incarnation of the Bodhisattva of Compassion.
Bodhisattvas are a popular subject in Buddhist art.
Partial list of bodhisattvas
- Akasagarbha (Jp. Kokuzo)
- Avalokitesvara (Ch. Guan Yin, Jp. Kannon)
- Ksitigarbha (Ch. Dizang, Jp. Jizo)
- Maitreya (also considered a Buddha proper, Ch. Mi Le Fo Jp. Miroku)
- Manjusri (Ch. Wen Shu, Jp. Monju)
- Samantabhadra (Ch. Pu Xian, Jp. Fugen)
External link
References
- Gampopa; The Jewel Ornament of Liberation; Snow Lion Publications; ISBN 1-55939-092-1