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bodhisattva: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Low
UK/ˌbəʊdɪˈsætvə/US/ˌboʊdiˈsɑːtvə/

Formal, Academic, Religious

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Quick answer

What does “bodhisattva” mean?

A being on the path to enlightenment who compassionately postpones nirvana to help others achieve it.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A being on the path to enlightenment who compassionately postpones nirvana to help others achieve it.

In Mahayana Buddhism, an enlightened being; more broadly, a person deeply committed to compassionate action.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant differences in meaning or usage; both follow Buddhist doctrinal standards.

Connotations

Connotes spiritual compassion, self-sacrifice, and a high level of spiritual development.

Frequency

Slightly higher frequency in US academic contexts due to larger comparative religion and Asian studies departments.

Grammar

How to Use “bodhisattva” in a Sentence

The Bodhisattva [Proper Name] is revered for [quality].A bodhisattva makes a vow to [action].

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
the Bodhisattva AvalokiteshvaraBodhisattva vowMahayana bodhisattvacompassion of a bodhisattva
medium
ideal of the bodhisattvapath of the bodhisattvabecome a bodhisattvaenlightened bodhisattva
weak
great bodhisattvafuture bodhisattvastory of a bodhisattvalike a bodhisattva

Examples

Examples of “bodhisattva” in a Sentence

adjective

British English

  • The text describes the bodhisattva path in detail.

American English

  • She has a bodhisattva-like approach to community service.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Rarely used. Potentially in leadership contexts metaphorically: 'A CEO with a bodhisattva-like commitment to employee well-being.'

Academic

Common in religious studies, philosophy, Asian studies, and comparative literature.

Everyday

Very rare outside discussions of Buddhism or spirituality.

Technical

Precise term in Buddhist theology and soteriology.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “bodhisattva”

Strong

saint (in a Buddhist context)

Neutral

enlightened beingcompassionate being

Weak

spiritual heroaltruist

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “bodhisattva”

arhat (in Theravada context)self-seekerhedonist

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “bodhisattva”

  • Misspelling: 'bodhisatva', 'bodhisattawa'.
  • Incorrect plural: 'bodhisattvas' is correct, not 'bodhisattva' for plural.
  • Using it as a general compliment without understanding its religious weight.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

No. A bodhisattva is on the path to becoming a Buddha but has not yet attained full Buddhahood.

In Mahayana Buddhist doctrine, yes. It begins with generating 'bodhicitta', the mind of enlightenment for the benefit of all.

In British English: /ˌbəʊdɪˈsætvə/. In American English: /ˌboʊdiˈsɑːtvə/.

Only when discussing Buddhism or using it as a deliberate metaphor for extreme compassion. It is not a general synonym for a 'good person'.

A being on the path to enlightenment who compassionately postpones nirvana to help others achieve it.

Bodhisattva is usually formal, academic, religious in register.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

  • “To have a bodhisattva's heart”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think: 'Bodhi' (enlightenment) + 'Sattva' (being). A 'being of enlightenment' who helps others.

Conceptual Metaphor

THE SPIRITUAL PATH IS A JOURNEY (the bodhisattva is on this journey). COMPASSION IS A VOW (the bodhisattva is bound by this vow).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
In Mahayana Buddhism, a is an enlightened being who vows to save all sentient beings.
Multiple Choice

What is the primary motivation of a bodhisattva?

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