Bodhisattva
A Bodhisattva is a lover of enlightenment, literally an enlightenment hero or heroine. Bodhisattvas come in many forms: female, male, animal, human, and divine. Although they have reached a level of spiritual enlightenment permitting them to break cycles of incarnation, the Bodhisattva resolves to transform the entire universe into a realm of abundance, peace, and happiness for all. Because of purity of soul, goodness, and love, the Bodhisattva postpones his or her own personal salvation for the benefit of all.
Bodhisattvas vow to save all living beings from suffering and to persist in this quest for as long as it takes: through many lifetimes, if necessary. Bodhisattvas differ from Arhats in that they seek not only their own personal enlightenment, salvation, and freedom, but that of the entire world.
SEE ALSO:
Avalokitesvara; Ksitigarbha; Kwan Yin; Manjusri
SOURCE:
Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses – Written by : Judika Illes Copyright © 2009 by Judika Illes.
List of Bodhisattvas :
Avalokitesvara The One Who Responds to the Cries of the World; Lord of the Six Syllables ALSO KNOWN AS: Avalokiteshvara ...
Eight Dharma Protectors - Defenders of the Law The Dharmapalas or Dharma Protectors are guardians of truth and defenders of ...
Fugen - The One Who Is All Pervadingly Good Fugen is the Japanese manifestation of Samant-abhadra, the Great Conduct Bodhisattva ...
The boddhisattva of good practice. He is represented riding on one of the elephants that support the world (a borrowing ...
Kokuzo The Boundless Vessel ALSO KNOWN AS: Akasagarbha (Sanskrit); Kokuyo CLASSIFICATION: Bodhisattva; Bosatsu Kokuzo is among the great Bodhisattvas, venerated ...
Ksitigarbha - Earth Matrix Bodhisattvas vow to remain on Earth until all suffering on Earth is relieved. Ksitigarbha took this ...
Kurukulla ALSO KNOWN AS: Red Tara; Kurukulle ORIGIN: Himalayas CLASSIFICATION: Dakini; Bodhisattva Kurukulla is a spirit of love, beauty, wealth ...
Kwan Yin The Goddess of Mercy; She Who Hears the Cries of the World ALSO KNOWN AS: Guan Yin; Kuan ...
Seishi He Who Has Obtained Great Strength ALSO KNOWN AS: Tokudaisei; Tokudaiseishi; Daiseishi CLASSIFICATION: Bodhisattva; Bosatsu Seishi is the primary ...
Vajrapani - Thunderbolt Bearer; Diamond Bearer Vajrapani began as a Yaksha and was so fierce that he eventually attained the ...
Yamantaka Death Terminator; Destroyer of Death; The Diamond Terrifier; The Diamond Terror; The Solitary Hero ALSO KNOWN AS: Vajrabhairava; Vajra ...
