Bodhisattva
/ˌboʊ.diˈsʌt.və/noun
In Buddhism, a being who seeks enlightenment and works to help others reach it.
Did you know?Bodhisattva comes from Sanskrit Buddhist tradition, where the term was used for a being on the path to Buddhahood—so the “mystical” power here is real, but it’s devotional and philosophical, not occult.
Etymological Timeline
Sanskrit
Skt
bodhisattva
“a being committed to awakening; one destined for Buddhahood”
Classical Sanskrit
Skt
bodhi
“awakening, enlightenment, understanding”
Classical Sanskrit
Skt
sattva
“being, creature, essence, nature”
Pali / Buddhist Sanskrit
Pāli/Skt
bodhisatta
“a being seeking enlightenment (especially the Buddha before awakening)”
19th Century
English
bodhisattva
“a Buddhist saintly being who seeks enlightenment for the benefit of all beings”
Modern English
English
bodhisattva
“a being in Mahayana Buddhism who aspires to Buddhahood and helps others toward liberation”