#  bodhisattva 

 



A *bodhisattva* is one who has dedicated his or her life to the attainment of enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings. The *bodhisattva* vows to postpone enlightenment in order to help all sentient beings realize liberation. In some cases, the *bodhisattva* is assumed to have already attained enlightenment, yet remains on this earth out of his or her boundless compassion. In its broadest sense, the term *bodhisattva* refers to anyone who aspires toward universal Buddhahood or Enlightenment, i.e. any Mahayana Buddhist.