In Mahayana Buddhism, the term Bodhisattva translates as "Enlightenment Being." Some suggest the more accurate Sanskrit term is Bodhisakta, referring to a person dedicated to seeking Enlightenment. This concept is rooted in tales of the Buddha’s previous lives, known as the Jatakas. Therefore, a Bodhisattva is described as someone devoted to attaining enlightenment.
In Mahayana Buddhism, Bodhisattvas dedicate countless lifetimes to guiding others on the path to Enlightenment. This path begins with a vow to attain Enlightenment on behalf of all, and many scriptures state that a Buddha predicts their eventual success. The Bodhisattva’s journey involves practicing the Six Perfections and the four methods of attracting others, over the course of three immeasurable kalpas, and is typically outlined in ten stages. According to many Mahayana sutras, a Bodhisattva postpones their own final Enlightenment until all beings are liberated from suffering or remains in a unique form of nirvana to assist others. They only enter perfect peace, or ultimate nirvana, after everyone else has attained it, choosing this path to maximize their benefit to all living beings.
Instead of seeking to quickly escape the cycle of suffering, the Bodhisattva willingly remains within it for as long as needed, even for vast ages, to help free sentient beings from the grip of Impermanence.
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