Bodhisattva, Key Ideals, Practices, Characteristics

A Bodhisattva (Pali: bodhisatta) is an individual who has achieved Enlightenment or Buddhahood but vows to return to the cycle of samsāra (worldly existence) to assist all sentient beings in attaining Buddhahood. This concept, central to Mahayana Buddhism, emphasises universal compassion and selfless dedication to the liberation of all beings.

The term "bodhisattva," meaning "Buddha-to-be," is significant in Buddhist philosophy. The concept of the bodhisattva, along with that of the Buddha and the chakravartin(universal ruler), existed in India before Gautama Buddha's time.

What is a Bodhisattva?

A Bodhisattva is a Buddhist who seeks enlightenment not just for themselves but for the benefit of all sentient beings. The term "Bodhisattva" literally means "Buddha-to-be" or "enlightened being."

• It also encompasses Gautama's previous rebirths, during which he progressed toward enlightenment across lifetimes as animals, humans, or other forms.
• According to Buddhist tradition, Gautama was born as a prince in a kingdom in northeastern India, but he renounced his royal life and wealth to pursue enlightenment. Eventually, he transitioned from a Bodhisattva to a fully awakened Buddha.

In Mahāyāna Buddhism, which is widely practised in East and Central Asia, the concept of Bodhisattva expands beyond Gautama.

• Mahāyāna posits that every true follower's ultimate goal is to attain Buddhahood, making the Bodhisattva vow central to their spiritual journey.
• This school emphasises the existence of multiple Buddhas and describes highly evolved Bodhisattvas who have cultivated profound merits and powers across countless lifetimes.

Bodhisattvas Characteristics

A Bodhisattva develops Bodhicitta, a spontaneous desire combined with compassion, to achieve Buddhahood for the benefit of all beings. This reflects the Mahayana Buddhist belief in universal emancipation.

• Buddha himself, in his former lives (as depicted in the Jataka Tales), embodied the Bodhisattva ideal, displaying virtues like self-sacrifice and righteousness.
• Path to Buddhahood: A Bodhisattva progresses through Ten Grounds (Bhumis) on the journey to Buddhahood:
  • Great Joy, Stainless, Luminous, Radiant, Very Difficult to Train, Obviously Transcendent, Gone Afar, Immovable, Good Discriminating Wisdom, and Cloud of Dharma. 
  • Enlightenment is attained after mastering these stages.

Bodhisattvas Key Ideals and Practices

In Tibetan Buddhism, being a Bodhisattva is considered one of the four sublime states a human can achieve, alongside being an Arhat, Buddha, or Pratyekabuddha.

Bodhisattvas Artistic Representation

Bodhisattvas are often depicted in Buddhist art and literature and are often portrayed as less austere than the Buddha. They are often depicted with precious jewellery, elegant clothing, and graceful postures. The depiction of Bodhisattvas often integrates Indian subjects with foreign artistic influences, particularly from the Gandhara school of art:

• Sculptures display realistic human forms with detailed physical features.
• Greco-Roman styles are evident, with Buddha’s images resembling the Greek God Apollo.
• Rich ornaments, costumes, and drapery enhance the sculptures’ aesthetic appeal.
• Materials evolved:
  • Early phase: Green phyllite and grey-blue mica schist.
  • Post 3rd Century A.D.: Stucco became predominant.
• Many sculptures were painted and gilded (covered with a thin layer of gold).

Key Bodhisattvas

The Bodhisattva ideal has various interpretations across Buddhist traditions, but all emphasise compassion, wisdom, and the intention to benefit others. Numerous Bodhisattvas appear in Buddhist art, literature, and traditions, symbolising various virtues and qualities essential to spiritual practice. The most important Bodhisattvas in Buddhist traditions are:

Bodhisattva UPSC PYQs 

Question 1: With reference to the cultural history of India, which one of the following is the correct description of the term 'paramitas'? (UPSC Prelims 2020)

1. The earliest Dharmashastra texts written in aphoristic (sutra) style
2. Philosophical schools that did not accept the authority of Vedas
3. Perfections whose attainment led to the Bodhisattva path
4. Powerful merchant guilds of early medieval South India

Answer: (c)

Question 2: The painting of Bodhisattva Padmapani is one of the most famous and oft-illustrated paintings at: (UPSC Prelims 2017)

1. Ajanta
2. Badami
3. Bagh
4. Ellora

Answer: (a)

Question 3: With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements: (UPSC Prelims 2016)

1. The concept of Bodhisattva is central to the Hinayana sect of Buddhism.
2. Bodhisattva is a compassionate one on his way to enlightenment.
3. Bodhisattva delays achieving his own salvation to help all sentient beings on their path to it.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 2 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (b)

Bodhisattva FAQs 

Q1. What does Bodhisattva mean?
Ans: A Bodhisattva is an enlightened being who vows to remain in the cycle of rebirth to help all sentient beings attain liberation from suffering.

Q2. Who is considered a Bodhisattva?
Ans: Anyone striving for enlightenment while dedicating their life to the welfare of others is considered a Bodhisattva, including revered figures in Buddhist traditions.

Q3. Is the Dalai Lama a Bodhisattva?
Ans: Yes, the Dalai Lama is believed to be an incarnation of Avalokitesvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, and is regarded as a living Bodhisattva.

Q4. Is the Bodhisattva Mahayana or Hinayana?
Ans: The concept of Bodhisattva is central to Mahayana Buddhism, emphasizing compassion and universal liberation, while it is less prominent in Theravāda (Hinayana).

Q5. Who are the 8 Bodhisattvas?
Ans: The Eight Great Bodhisattvas include Avalokitesvara, Manjusri, Samantabhadra, Ksitigarbha, Maitreya, Vajrapani, Akasagarbha, and Sarvanivaranaviskambhin.