Bodhisattvas - Awakened One with Spiritual Essence

Bodhisattva is one of the important terms in the world of Buddhism. In general, Bodhisattva is the enlightened beings who devout themselves for the sole purpose of helping all sentient beings in the world. The word "Bodhisattva" is considered as the compound word and is formed from two basic words i.e. Bodhi and Sattva. Bodhi is basically the process of spiritual awakening i.e. enlightenment, and Sattva is being with spiritual essence. So basically Bodhisattva is the spiritual beings who have gone through the spiritual awakening and attained Enlightenment.

According to Buddhist tradition, Bodhisattva possess three different meanings i.e. principle meanings of Bodhisattva. They are:

• In Early Buddhism, Bodhisattva are referred as the previous lives of a Buddha.
• In Mahayana Buddhism, Bodhisattva is referred as the beings who dedicated their life to seek Enlightenment for the sole purpose of helping all the other sentient beings to be free from the cycle of life, death and rebirth.
• In Mahayana Buddhism, Bodhisattva are also referred as the objects of devotion to Buddhism i.e. Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, Bodhisattva Manjushree etc.

Important Bodhisattva in Buddhism

In Buddhism, Bodhisattva are also known by the name Arhat, Pratyekabuddha etc. The meanings and its importance may be different according to various Buddhist traditions in the world. But the following bodhisattvas are considered the most important in Buddhism. They are:

Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara

Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara is considered as the Thousand Hand Avalokiteshvara in Buddhism and is one of the most respected and widely revered Bodhisattva in Theravada as well as Mahayana Buddhism. Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara is basically translated as "The lord Who Looks Down in Pity", and "The One who hears the cries of the World". According to legend, Avalokiteshvara postponed attainment of Buddhahood in order to help all the sentient Beings who cries for the help. And Avalokiteshvara is known to be the manifestation of Amitabha Buddha.

Bodhisattva Manjushree

One of the most iconic figure among the Bodhisattvas in Mahayana Buddhism is Bodhisattva Manjushree. He is also known as the Bodhisattva of Great Wisdom. The word Manjushree is translated as "He who is noble and gentle" and is the representation of spiritual insight and awareness. It is believed that Bodhisattva Manjushree sees all the phenomena of spiritual essence and boundless nature of self. Manjushree is depicted as holding Vajra Sword Of Discriminating Light in his right and his left hand wields beautiful blue lotus flower.

Bodhisattva Kshitigarbha

As one of the principal Bodhisattvas in East Asian Mahayana Buddhism, Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha is known for his Buddhist vow i.e. vow to neglect Buddha until all sentient beings in hell are escaped and the hell is empty. Ksitigarbha is generally translated as "Earth Treasury", "Earth womb" and "Earth matrix". Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha is mostly depicted as the simple Buddhist monks with shaved heads and wields wish fulfilling jewel in one hand and six rings staff. The six rings in the staff means that Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha protects all six realms.

Bodhisattva Samantabhadra

As the protector of all those who teach Dharma, Bodhisattva Samantabhadra is the part of trinity with Gautama Buddha and Bodhisattva Manjushree. Bodhisattva Samantabhadra is also known by the name Fugen in Japan and Puxian in China. He is referred as "He who is All Pervadingly Good". Bodhisattva Samantabhadra was mostly associated with those who are involved with Buddhist practice as well as meditation.