A Bodhisattva, in Mahayana Buddhism, represents a being who seeks Buddhahood through the systematic practice of perfecting certain virtuous qualities known as the paramitas, but also has a profound compassion that compels them to help others achieve enlightenment before or alongside themselves. The term itself is a combination of "bodhi" (enlightenment) and "sattva" (being), thus translating to an "enlightenment-being." Unlike a fully enlightened Buddha, who has reached Nirvana and escaped the cycle of birth and rebirth, a Bodhisattva deliberately postpones their own final and complete enlightenment to assist all sentient beings on their path to liberation from suffering. This altruistic intention is known as the Bodhicitta, or the "mind of enlightenment," which is both the cause for embarking on the Bodhisattva path and the driving force sustaining it.
In the development of a Bodhisattva, the practice of the six paramitas is crucial. These include Dana (generosity), Sila (morality), Kshanti (patience), Virya (energy or diligence), Dhyana (meditation), and Prajna (wisdom). Each of these qualities is systematically cultivated to bring about the purification of body, speech, and mind, thereby facilitating the accumulation of merit and wisdom, which are essential for the attainment of Buddhahood. The paramitas not only refine the character of the Bodhisattva but also equip them with the necessary tools to effectively aid others, reinforcing their commitment to universal salvation.
Furthermore, the concept of Bodhisattva extends to different stages of spiritual development, known as the Bhumi, which translates to "grounds" or "levels." These stages describe the progressive attainment of spiritual qualities and insights as one advances on the path to becoming a Buddha. There are traditionally ten Bhumis, each marked by specific achievements and culminating in the perfection of both wisdom and compassionate activity. This structured approach underscores the disciplined and gradual nature of the Bodhisattva path, indicating it as a journey of continuous growth and altruistic engagement.
Lastly, the reverence for Bodhisattvas is evident in various cultures practicing Mahayana Buddhism, where they are often depicted in religious art and literature. Figures such as Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of compassion, and Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of wisdom, are venerated for their respective roles in assisting the faithful on their spiritual journeys. These depictions not only serve as icons of devotional practice but also as embodiments of the virtues that followers aspire to develop. This integration of the Bodhisattva ideal into daily religious life helps to perpetuate the values of compassion and wisdom, essential for the alleviation of suffering and the betterment of the world, encapsulated in the noble aspiration of the Mahayana tradition.