Today, we venture to meet the enlightening figures known as Bodhisattvas.
In this blog post, we’ll demystify the concept of Bodhisattva, drawing a clear line between Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, and we’ll answer some intriguing questions you may have, such as whether Bodhisattvas are always male, or can a well-loved figure like Jesus be considered a Bodhisattva?
The main part of course will be exploring the stories of the Eight Great Bodhisattvas, understanding their virtues, symbolism, and their significance in the Mahayana tradition.
What is a Bodhisattva?
A Bodhisattva is a term used in Buddhism to describe someone who has set out on the spiritual journey to achieve Enlightenment.
They have made a powerful pledge known as the Bodhisattva vow, committing to follow a path of compassion and altruism, seeking enlightenment not just for their own liberation, but to aid all sentient beings in escaping the cycle of rebirth and suffering.
What sets Bodhisattvas apart is their motivation. Instead of aiming to attain Nirvana and escape the cycle of rebirth (like the monks in Theravada Buddhism), Bodhisattvas aspire to be reborn, again and again, to help all beings achieve enlightenment.
The central idea is selflessness – postponing one’s own enlightenment to assist others.
You might be wondering if becoming a Bodhisattva is reserved for the spiritual elite. Interestingly, in Mahayana Buddhism, it is believed that everyone can aspire to be a Bodhisattva.
What is the Difference Between a Buddha and a Bodhisattva?
The distinction can be a little confusing, especially since Bodhisattvas and Buddhas are both significant figures in Buddhism. But here’s a simple way to understand it.
- A Buddha is an individual who has attained full enlightenment and is understood to have escaped the cycle of birth and death, called samsara. They have reached a state of supreme wisdom and compassion known as Nirvana. Shakyamuni Buddha, also known as Gautama Buddha or simply the Buddha, is the most well-known example.
- A Bodhisattva, on the other hand, is someone on the path to becoming a Buddha. And as mentioned above, the Bodhisattva deliberately chooses not to attain full enlightenment right away because of their immense compassion for all sentient beings. They take a vow to postpone their own complete enlightenment until they have helped all other beings on their path to liberation.
So, while both Buddhas and Bodhisattvas are driven by wisdom and compassion, the key difference lies in their respective stages on the path to enlightenment. A Buddha has already reached the final destination, while a Bodhisattva is still on the journey, prioritizing the enlightenment of others over their own.
Can a Bodhisattva Become a Buddha?
Absolutely! In fact, becoming a Buddha is the ultimate goal of a Bodhisattva.
A Bodhisattva is simply on the path to becoming a Buddha. They’re dedicated to attaining Buddhahood for the benefit of all beings. They’re motivated by bodhicitta, a compassionate wish to attain enlightenment for the sake of others.
So yes, a Bodhisattva can become a Buddha, but their journey is characterized by their vow to help all beings achieve enlightenment before they do.
The 8 Great Bodhisattvas of Mahayana Buddhism
In Mahayana Buddhism, the Eight Great Bodhisattvas represent the ideal of the Bodhisattva path. Each of them symbolizes specific qualities that a Bodhisattva should cultivate.
As a collective, the Eight Great Bodhisattvas provide a guide for followers of the path. They serve as inspiring examples of selfless dedication and relentless perseverance, embodying the highest virtues and the deep aspiration to attain Buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings.
Their tales, their vows, and their qualities are widely studied and revered in Buddhist communities. Let’s get to know them shall we?
1. Avalokiteshvara
Avalokiteshvara, also known as Guan Yin in Chinese, Kannon in Japanese, and Chenrezig in Tibetan, is one of the most adored figures in Buddhism and is a cornerstone in the group of the Eight Great Bodhisattvas. Avalokiteshvara is considered the embodiment of the great compassion of all the Buddhas.
The photo above shows a golden statue of Avalokiteshvara that I captured while in the beautiful country of Mongolia. This was in its capital city of Ulaanbaatar which I highly recommend checking out!
According to the scriptures, Avalokiteshvara made a vow to assist sentient beings in times of difficulty and to postpone his own Buddhahood until he has helped every one of them achieve enlightenment. However, when he realized the enormity of the task, it’s said that he became disheartened and shattered into a thousand pieces. Amitabha Buddha, witnessing his plight, helped put him together again, this time granting him a thousand arms with an eye in each hand, to reach out to all those who need help.
In most depictions, Avalokiteshvara is shown with multiple arms, often with an eye in each hand, symbolizing the all-seeing, all-embracing compassion of this Bodhisattva. However, in East Asian Buddhism, Avalokiteshvara is often portrayed in a female form known as Guanyin, signifying compassion and mercy.
Avalokiteshvara’s practice is widespread in Mahayana Buddhism. In Tibet, the mantra associated with him, “Om Mani Padme Hum“, is the most commonly recited mantra, and the Dalai Lama is considered an incarnation of Avalokiteshvara. The Bodhisattva’s name translates to “The Lord Who Looks Down”, reflecting his constant endeavor to alleviate suffering and aid his followers on the path to enlightenment.
In the Heart Sutra, Avalokiteshvara also goes into the nature of reality and explains about emptiness, a very misunderstood Buddhist concept which you can learn more about here.
2. Manjushri
Manjushri embodies prajna, or the wisdom of all the Buddhas, and is often represented as a beautiful youth to express that wisdom is always fresh and new.
Manjushri is often depicted holding a flaming sword in his right hand, a symbolic representation of the cutting through of ignorance and delusion, the primary obstacles in the path of enlightenment. The sword is also believed to illuminate knowledge and wisdom, dispersing the darkness of ignorance.
In his left hand, he usually holds a lotus flower or a book, both of which are associated with wisdom.
The book, placed on top of the lotus flower, is the Prajnaparamita Sutra, representing the ultimate wisdom that cuts through ignorance and leads to enlightenment.
Manjushri is also recognized as the master of eloquence and speech, which is particularly important in Mahayana Buddhism, given the emphasis on teaching and spreading the dharma.
In Tibetan Buddhism, Manjushri is believed to be a yidam, or meditation deity, who embodies enlightened wisdom.
It’s also worth mentioning that Manjushri is closely associated with the sacred mountain, Mount Wutai in China, believed to be his earthly abode.
Devotees from various countries, especially those following Mahayana Buddhism, undertake pilgrimages to this place, seeking wisdom and enlightenment.
His name translates to “Gentle Glory” in Sanskrit.
3. Vajrapani
Vajrapani, whose name translates to “Thunderbolt Holder” in Sanskrit, represents the power of all the Buddhas and is the embodiment of their spiritual strength.
Vajrapani is usually depicted in a wrathful form, radiating intense energy and ferocity. This wrathfulness, however, is not to be mistaken for anger. Instead, it signifies the relentless determination to cut through delusion and ignorance, helping sentient beings move towards enlightenment.
In his hands, Vajrapani typically holds a vajra, a Buddhist ritual object that symbolizes both the properties of a diamond (indestructibility) and a thunderbolt (irresistible force). This vajra is a symbol of the power of compassion and the determination to achieve enlightenment.
Vajrapani is also considered a protector of the Buddha’s teachings, serving as a spiritual guardian. He is also associated with the practice of tantra in Vajrayana Buddhism, where he’s seen as a holder of secret teachings and esoteric practices.
4. Maitreya
Maitreya is a unique figure because he is widely regarded as the Future Buddha. His name in Sanskrit means “loving-kindness” reflecting his embodiment of benevolence.
I was lucky to have captured a beautiful sculpture of Maitreya holding the Abhaya Mudra in Japan‘s Mt. Takatori!
In Buddhist tradition, it is believed that Maitreya currently resides in the Tushita heaven, where he is awaiting his time to be reborn in the human realm to achieve full Buddhahood. His coming is said to usher in a period of great enlightenment, where the dharma will flourish and human beings will have longer lifespans.
Maitreya is often depicted seated on a throne, waiting patiently for his time of descent. He is typically portrayed with both legs on the ground, signifying his readiness to descend to the earth at the appropriate time. In many images, he holds a lotus flower or a wheel, symbols of purity and the dharma respectively.
Although Maitreya is recognized as a future Buddha, he is venerated as a Bodhisattva in the present time. As such, the role of Maitreya bridges the concept of Bodhisattva and Buddha, exemplifying the potential for all beings to attain Buddhahood.
5. Ksitigarbha
Ksitigarbha is one of my favorites just because of how intense his vow is. With his his immense compassion, he vowed to not achieve Buddhahood until all Hells are emptied. Yes, you heard that right. Hells with an “S”! I really have much respect for him.
His name translates to “Earth Womb,” signifying his connection with the earth.
Ksitigarbha is known as the Bodhisattva of the Hell beings and according to Buddhist scripture, he made this vow before the Buddha, promising to aid those in the hell realms until they’re emptied, even if it takes countless eons.
He is depicted as a Buddhist monk in the robes of a monastic. In his hands, he usually carries a staff with six rings, used to awaken us from our delusions, and a wish-fulfilling jewel, which illuminates the darkness and burns away the negative karma of beings in the hell realms.
Ksitigarbha is extremely popular here in Japan where he is known as Jizo, I often see sculptures of him in the mountains and shrines!
6. Samantabhadra
Samantabhadra, also known as Universal Worthy, is seen as the personification of the transcendental practices of all Buddhas.
Unlike many bodhisattvas who are often portrayed in a royal attire, Samantabhadra is often depicted riding a white elephant with six tusks, signifying the Six Paramitas. He’s usually seen holding a lotus flower, representing purity.
Samantabhadra is particularly known for his Ten Great Vows which serve as guidelines for a Bodhisattva’s path to enlightenment. These vows include paying homage and respect to all Buddhas, praising the Thus Come One, making offerings extensively, repenting karmic obstacles, rejoicing in merit and virtue, requesting the turning of the Dharma wheel, requesting the Buddha to remain in the world, always following the Buddha’s teaching, accommodating and benefiting all living beings, and transferring all merits and virtues universally.
Samantabhadra is venerated especially in the Lotus Sutra and the Avatamsaka Sutra, where he’s seen as the embodiment of the Buddhist practice and the protector of the Buddhist teachings.
7. Sarvanivarana-Vishkambhin
Sarvanivarana-Vishkambhin is known as the “Remover of All Stains and Impurities,” and as his title suggests, he is venerated for his ability to remove obstacles and purify defilements that hinder the path to enlightenment.
Depicted often in royal attire, he is sometimes shown holding a lotus, which aligns well with his role as a purifier, assisting followers in overcoming their spiritual stains and barriers.
The teachings associated with Sarvanivarana-Vishkambhin emphasize the importance of inner purification and the removal of ignorance, attachments, and the three poisons of greed, hatred, and delusion. These are viewed as obstructions on the path to enlightenment, and Sarvanivarana-Vishkambhin is seen as the embodiment of the power to overcome these obstructions.
8. Akashagarbha
Akasagarbha can be translated to “Sky Jewel”. He symbolizes the “great void,” reflecting the vastness and infinite nature of Buddhist teachings, much like the infinite expanse of the sky.
Akasagarbha’s teachings focus on the virtue of wisdom and understanding the emptiness (sunyata) of all phenomena. His practice is believed to eliminate karmic obstacles, particularly those related to speech, and bestow blessings of eloquence and skillful means.
It’s also believed that Akasagarbha is especially compassionate towards beings who transgressed moral precepts and committed negative deeds. His practice is said to help such individuals purify their karmic obscurations and regain their potential for enlightenment.
Are All Bodhisattvas Male?
No, not all Bodhisattvas are male. The essence of a Bodhisattva transcends the concept of gender, as it focuses more on spiritual development and compassionate actions towards all sentient beings.
The depiction of Bodhisattvas in human form with specific gender is often more a matter of cultural convention and iconography.
One of the best-known female Bodhisattvas is Guan Yin (the female version of Avalokiteshvara, if you remember).
Another honorable mention is of course Tara, another Bodhisattva close to my heart. Let me tell you why she’s awesome:
Tara
Long ago, in a different universe and time, Tara was a princess named Yeshe Dawa, which means “Moon of Primordial Awareness”. She was a very spiritual and compassionate being who devoted much of her time to prayer and offering help to those in need.
One day, some monks approached her and suggested that she should pray to be reborn as a man, as they believed this would enhance her chances of achieving full enlightenment. However, Princess Yeshe Dawa was an enlightened being herself, and she understood the ultimate nature of reality, beyond the worldly distinctions of male or female. She responded to them with great compassion and wisdom.
Yeshe Dawa proclaimed, “In the realm of enlightenment, there is no male or female. These are worldly constructs, labels we use to understand our physical existence. But the truth of our nature, the Buddha-nature, is beyond these constructs. It’s not limited by gender.”
With this understanding, she made a profound vow. “There are many who wish to attain enlightenment in a man’s body, but few who work to achieve Buddha-hood in a female form. Since there are few who wish to serve the Dharma in female form, therefore, I vow to always be reborn as a female bodhisattva, until all sentient beings are free from suffering.”
And since then, Tara has always been reborn in the form of a woman, embodying compassionate action and proving that enlightenment is not limited by gender. Her vow is not only a reflection of her own wisdom and compassion, but also an empowering message for women practitioners of Buddhism and indeed for anyone who seeks enlightenment. Her existence challenges traditional narratives and pushes for equality and inclusivity within spiritual practices.
How to Be a Bodhisattva
Embarking on the path to becoming a modern-day Bodhisattva is a profound journey.
In today’s world, being a Bodhisattva translates to actively engaging in activities that alleviate suffering, promote wisdom, and contribute to the well-being of all sentient beings. Here’s a glimpse into the steps involved:
Understanding the Bodhisattva Ideal: This is the foundational step. It involves understanding the concept of Bodhisattva – a being who, driven by great compassion, vows to attain Buddhahood to liberate all sentient beings from suffering. You can read more about the Bodhisattva Ideal here.
Taking the Bodhisattva Vows: The next step is making the commitment to walk this path by taking the Bodhisattva vows. While the exact wording may vary, the essence is the same – a promise to dedicate one’s life to easing the suffering of all beings and to attain enlightenment for the benefit of all.
Cultivating the Six Perfections (Paramitas): The six perfections are the core virtues a Bodhisattva strives to perfect – generosity, morality, patience, effort, meditation, and wisdom. Cultivating these qualities is a daily practice, influencing all actions and interactions. I’ve also covered them here.
Practicing Mindfulness and Meditation: Regular practice of mindfulness and meditation helps cultivate clarity, compassion, and wisdom and allows one to stay present.
Engaging in Altruistic Activities: As a Bodhisattva-in-making, it’s crucial to actively engage in activities that help others. This could range from volunteering for social causes, participating in community services, or simply practicing kindness in daily life.
Continual Learning: Studying Buddhist scriptures, teachings, and philosophies is a lifelong process on this path. It helps deepen the understanding and application of Buddhist principles in everyday life.
Practicing Patience and Perseverance: Walking the Bodhisattva path isn’t always easy, especially when faced with challenges.
Being a Bodhisattva isn’t about withdrawing from the world, but fully participating in it with wisdom and compassion. It’s not about having some grand messianic mission, it’s about making every thought, word, and action a means to alleviate suffering and promote well-being!
Is Jesus a Bodhisattva?
I’ve seen this question floating around but from a strictly Buddhist perspective, Jesus is not formally recognized as a Bodhisattva because he does not appear in any traditional Buddhist texts and was not part of the cultural or religious landscape in which Buddhism evolved.
However, if you consider the general principles and characteristics that define a Bodhisattva – such as compassion, self-sacrifice, wisdom, and striving for the enlightenment of all beings – some people might see parallels with the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. He preached love, forgiveness, charity, and a form of salvation, which could be seen as aligning with the altruistic spirit of the Bodhisattva path.
It’s also worth noting that some contemporary Buddhist teachers and scholars have suggested that Jesus could be viewed as a Bodhisattva because of his compassionate teachings and his dedication to the welfare of others. This perspective, however, is more of a modern and inclusive interpretation rather than traditional Buddhist doctrine.
If you’re interested in Christianity, you can check out my article on it here.
