Meaning

(Buddhism) A person who has taken specific lay or monastic vows and who is on the road to perfect knowledge; specifically, one who foregoes personal nirvana in order to help others achieve enlightenment..

Definitions by Sense

1. (Buddhism) A person who has taken specific lay or monastic vows and who is on the road to perfect knowledge; specifically, one who foregoes personal nirvana in order to help others achieve enlightenment.
2. (Buddhism) An enlightened being existing in a form of existence beyond the ordinary forms of physical reality understood and acknowledged by scientific thought, resembling the Western notion of angels, but with a wealth of its own nuances and expectations. These include the compassionate working for enlightenment of all sentient beings.

Example Sentences

Kimi was a true bodhisattva, and her English skills were excellent.

Word Forms

• bodhisattvas
• boddhisatva
• bodhisvatta

Synonyms for bodhisattva

Related Words

When Should You Use Bodhisattva?

Use bodhisattva when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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