Significance of Bodhisattva-mahasattva
Bodhisattva-mahasattva, in Buddhism, refers to a noble being dedicated to achieving enlightenment not only for themselves but also for the sake of all sentient beings. This concept is particularly pivotal in Mahayana and Tibetan Buddhism, where it embodies the qualities of compassion, wisdom, and altruism. Advanced practitioners, recognized for their spiritual insight, are committed to aiding others on their path to enlightenment, making Bodhisattva-mahasattva an essential figure in the Buddhist tradition, symbolizing deep compassion and the aspiration to attain Buddhahood for the benefit of all.
Synonyms: Mahasattva bodhisattva, Great being, Great compassionate one
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Bodhisattva-mahasattva'
Bodhisattva-mahasattva signifies an enlightened being committed to achieving Buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings, embodying immense compassion and wisdom, and dedicated to aiding others on their spiritual paths.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) A term referring to a being aspiring to achieve Buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings, who aims to understand the complexities of the four pratyayas.[1] (2) Highly compassionate beings dedicated to achieving enlightenment for the sake of all beings.[2] (3) An advanced bodhisattva who embodies profound compassion and commitment to achieving enlightenment for all beings.[3] (4) A being dedicated to achieving enlightenment and practicing the perfection of wisdom to benefit all Buddhas and their disciples.[4] (5) A great being who seeks to attain enlightenment for the sake of all sentient beings.[5]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) A great being who seeks enlightenment not just for themselves but for all sentient beings.[6] (2) A being dedicated to attaining Buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings, embodying supreme compassion and wisdom.[7] (3) A great Bodhisattva or enlightened being committed to achieving enlightenment for all sentient beings.[8] (4) A great Bodhisattva who embodies compassion and altruistic intent for the benefit of all beings.[9] (5) A being who is dedicated to attaining enlightenment and helping others achieve it, highlighted for their perfection in meditation and knowledge.[10]
From: Lotus Sutra
(1) Great Bodhisattvas who accompanied Buddha Candrasuryavimalaprabhasashri, exemplifying the virtues and practices of the Bodhisattva path.[11] (2) A high-level bodhisattva, exemplified by Mahapratibhana, who seeks enlightenment for himself and others.[12] (3) A title attributed to a being on the path to Buddhahood who is committed to attaining enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings.[13] (4) A title that emphasizes the significance and immense compassionate qualities of Avalokiteshvara.[14] (5) A group of enlightened beings whom the Buddha acknowledges and instructs to spread the teachings of the Dharma to benefit others.[15]
From: Lankavatara Sutra
(1) A being on the path to Buddhahood, embodying compassion and striving for the enlightenment of all sentient beings.[16] (2) A being dedicated to attaining Buddhahood for the sake of all sentient beings, recognized for their wisdom and compassion.[17] (3) A category of highly developed Bodhisattvas who possess deep wisdom and capabilities to assist numerous beings.[18] (4) Advanced practitioners who aspire to attain Buddhahood and assist others in achieving enlightenment.[19] (5) A revered figure in Mahayana Buddhism, representing a being who is bound to attain enlightenment for the sake of all sentient beings.[20]
From: Karandavyuha Sutra
(1) A noble being dedicated to attaining enlightenment for the sake of all sentient beings, particularly represented by Avalokiteshvara in this context.[21] (2) A great Bodhisattva who embodies compassion and assists all sentient beings towards enlightenment.[22] (3) A high-ranking Bodhisattva, specifically Sarvanivaranavishkambhi, who seeks spiritual enlightenment and offerings for the Dharmabhanaka.[23] (4) A noble being dedicated to attaining enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings.[24] (5) An enlightened being focused on achieving Buddhahood for the benefit of others.[25]
From: Lotus Sutra (Saddharma-Pundarika)
(1) A title for a compassionate being who seeks enlightenment not only for themselves but also for the sake of others.[26] (2) An enlightened being committed to achieving Buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings, characterized by compassion and wisdom.[27] (3) The compassionate beings who seek enlightenment not only for themselves but also for the benefit of all sentient beings; includes references to characters like Bhaishajyaraja.[28] (4) A general term for a being on the path to Buddhahood who seeks enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings.[29] (5) A being dedicated to achieving enlightenment for the sake of all sentient beings; termed 'great being' and often portrayed with compassion and wisdom.[30]
From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva fundamental vow sutra
(1) Highly enlightened beings committed to aiding all sentient beings through compassion and wisdom, each possessing unique powers and vows.[31] (2) A term referring to great Bodhisattvas who possess inconceivable divine power and wisdom to aid all sentient beings.[32] (3) Great beings who have developed the bodhicitta, the intention to attain enlightenment for the sake of all sentient beings.[33] (4) A greater type of bodhisattva recognized for their serious commitment to achieving Buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings.[34] (5) A term referring to a higher level of Bodhisattva who practices with great compassion for all beings.[35]
From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Purvapranidhana Sutra
(1) A large class of compassionate Bodhisattvas, distinguished by their ability to influence countless beings positively.[36] (2) Great Bodhisattvas known for their vast wisdom and spiritual penetrations, including Earth Store Bodhisattva.[37]
From: The Sutra of Queen Śrīmālā of the Lion’s Roar
(1) Advanced practitioners of the Dharma who are capable of understanding deep truths related to tathagatagarbha and its implications.[38]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) Another pivotal figure in Mahayana Buddhism, known for embodying the qualities of greatness and compassion.[39] (2) A high-ranking Bodhisattva who has achieved great spiritual wisdom and is committed to aiding all sentient beings.[40]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) A noble being who seeks enlightenment for the sake of all sentient beings.[41] (2) A person who seeks enlightenment not only for themselves but also for the sake of all sentient beings.[42]