Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part F (2025)

The Bodhisattva, who symbolizes the ideal of kindness, selflessness, and enlightened wisdom. It holds a prominent and dynamic place in Buddhist philosophy and literature. The term, which comes from the words bodhi (enlightenment) and sattva (being), refers to someone who seeks awakening not just for their own personal liberation but also for the liberation of all living beings. According to early Pāli sources, especially the Jātaka tales, the Bodhisattva incarnated in different forms and performed pāramitās. It consists of selfless deeds and displaying moral actions. The Bodhisattva's moral discipline and compassionate nature are further emphasized in the Vinaya Piṭaka and Sutta Piṭaka, which place him in line with the central principles of early Buddhism. Mahāyāna texts like the Lotus Sūtra and Prajñāpāramitā Sūtras, on the other hand promote the Bodhisattva to a cosmic archetype, personified in characters like Avalokiteśvara, who represents unending compassion and wisdom. The Bodhisattva's vow to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all beings sets him apart from the samyak sambuddha, pratyekabuddha, and arhat in the Buddhist spiritual order. The development of Buddhist doctrines from individual liberation to universal salvation is reflected in this ideal, which became more prominent after the Buddha's Parinirvāṇa. Thus, the Bodhisattva doctrine serves as a timeless example of selfless enlightenment that continues to influence ethical and spiritual discourse across cultures, encapsulating the philosophical depth and literary richness of Buddhist thought.