noun
bodhisattva
bo-dih-SATVUH
Bodhisattva (noun) means In Buddhism, someone far along the path to enlightenment who chooses to keep helping others reach it rather than leave the cycle of rebirth for themselves. Example: “Compassion for all beings is the defining quality of a bodhisattva.”
noun
1
In Buddhism, someone far along the path to enlightenment who chooses to keep helping others reach it rather than leave the cycle of rebirth for themselves.
"Compassion for all beings is the defining quality of a bodhisattva."
"Many Buddhist traditions honor figures regarded as bodhisattvas alongside the Buddha himself."
How to use bodhisattva
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA being who has nearly reached enlightenment but stays to help others get there too.
Common pairings
bodhisattva vow
become a bodhisattva
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Word forms
- Plural
- bodhisattvas
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Etymology
From Sanskrit बोधिसत्त्व (bodhisattva), literally "enlightenment-being," from bodhi ("awakening") + sattva ("being").
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “bodhisattva” mean?
The word “bodhisattva” means in Buddhism, someone far along the path to enlightenment who chooses to keep helping others reach it rather than leave the cycle of rebirth for themselves. In plain terms, a being who has nearly reached enlightenment but stays to help others get there too.
How do you pronounce “bodhisattva”?
“Bodhisattva” is pronounced bo-dih-SATVUH (/boʊ̯diːˈsʌtvə/ in IPA).
How do you use “bodhisattva” in a sentence?
Here is “bodhisattva” used in a sentence: “Compassion for all beings is the defining quality of a bodhisattva.”
What is another word for “bodhisattva”?
Words with a similar meaning to “bodhisattva” include mahasattva.
What part of speech is “bodhisattva”?
“Bodhisattva” is a noun.
Where does the word “bodhisattva” come from?
The word “bodhisattva” comes from Sanskrit. From Sanskrit बोधिसत्त्व (bodhisattva), literally "enlightenment-being," from bodhi ("awakening") + sattva ("being").
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