What does bodhisattva mean?
A bodhisattva is a being in Buddhist thought who aspires to full enlightenment not for personal salvation alone but out of boundless compassion for all sentient beings. In Mahayana Buddhism especially, the bodhisattva embodies the noble ideal of postponing entry into final nirvana until every other being has been liberated — a selfless commitment captured in the famous bodhisattva vow. Celebrated figures such as Avalokiteshvara, the embodiment of compassion, illustrate how central this concept is to Buddhist practice and devotion. By extension, the word is sometimes applied more loosely to any remarkably selfless person who dedicates their life to easing the suffering of others, though such figurative use remains informal. The term derives from Sanskrit roots meaning 'enlightenment-being' and entered English through translations of Buddhist texts, where it retains a tone of reverence and moral aspiration.
nounIn Buddhism, a person who has attained enlightenment or is on the path to it, but who compassionately delays entering final nirvana in order to help all sentient beings achieve liberation. More broadly, anyone motivated by a compassionate wish to relieve the suffering of others.
- A being who has generated bodhicitta (the aspiration to attain enlightenment) and works toward Buddhahood out of compassion for all sentient beings; in Mahayana Buddhism, an enlightened being who voluntarily remains within samsara to help others reach liberation.
- By extension, any deeply compassionate person devoted to relieving the suffering of others, sometimes used outside strictly Buddhist contexts.
"The monk described the bodhisattva as one who vows to remain in the world until every being is freed from suffering."
"Avalokiteshvara is revered as the bodhisattva of compassion, embodying mercy toward all living things."
"She lived like a true bodhisattva, quietly devoting her life to feeding and sheltering the homeless."
The standard English plural simply adds -s; in scholarly writing the Sanskrit plural 'bodhisattvaḥ' may occasionally appear but is rare.
"Ancient murals depict bodhisattvas seated in serene meditation across the temple walls."
A bodhisattva wins enlightenment — then gives up the exit door, vowing to stay behind until every last being escapes suffering too.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of bodhisattva
The word 'bodhisattva' comes from Sanskrit, combining 'bodhi' (awakening or enlightenment) with 'sattva' (being or essence), thus literally meaning 'enlightenment-being.' It entered English during the 19th century through early translations and scholarly studies of Buddhist scriptures. Cognate forms appear across Buddhist languages influenced by Sanskrit, including Pali 'bodhisatta,' reflecting the term's deep roots in Indian religious vocabulary alongside related words such as 'buddha' (awakened one) and 'bodhi' itself.
Related word forms
How bodhisattva is actually used
The word carries a reverent, spiritual connotation and belongs chiefly to religious or philosophical discourse. In Mahayana traditions the term is central and highly honored; in Theravada contexts it is used more narrowly, typically referring to the Buddha's previous lives or future Buddhas. The extended secular use ('a very compassionate person') is informal and should be applied with care to avoid trivializing the term.
Easily confused with bodhisattva
A buddha is someone who has fully realized enlightenment and entered nirvana, whereas a bodhisattva is one who aspires to enlightenment and often postpones final nirvana to aid others.
An arhat attains enlightenment primarily for personal liberation, while a bodhisattva seeks enlightenment for the benefit of all beings.