Bodhisattvas: The Selfless Heroes of Buddhism

August 5, 2025

Have you ever thought about what makes someone a true spiritual superhero? In Buddhism, this title goes to the Bodhisattva—being full of mercy, they choose to postpone their own ultimate knowledge to help others find it first.

Looks great, don't you think? Because it is. In this article, we are diving into the meaning of Bodhisattva, who takes a bodhisattva vow to someone, and why these kind figures—such as Tara Bodhisattva, Gunan, and Maitreya—become such powerful symbols of love and spiritual worlds.

Therefore, grab your cup of tea or settle in your focus pillow, and let's look at the world of Bodhisattva together.

What exactly is a Bodhisattva?

The word “Bodhisattva” comes from two Sanskrit words, where “Bodhi” means enlightenment or awakening and “Sattva” means being or essence

Together, Bodhisattva means “an enlightened being” or “one who is on the path to awakening.”

But wait—it's not just about being enlightened. The real magic lies in that awakening. Instead of disappearing into Nirvana (the Buddhist version of total peace), a Bodhisattva says, "Not yet—I haven't got to work." They follow all living beings to help across the endless cycle of pain, ignorance, and rebirth.

Therefore, if you are asking, "What does the right Bodhisattva mean?" - This is about the final compassion, immense patience, and radical love for others.

The Bodhisattva Vow: Compassion in Action

Now here’s where it gets really inspiring. Anyone can say they care about others, but a bodhisattva goes a step further—they take a formal vow, promising:

To free all beings from suffering
To cultivate wisdom and overcome personal obstacles
To never stop practicing until everyone is enlightened

One traditional version of the vow goes like this:

“Beings are numberless; I vow to free them.
Delusions are inexhaustible; I vow to end them.
Dharma gates are boundless; I vow to enter them.
The Buddha way is unsurpassable; I vow to become it.”

This is not just poetry—it is a commitment to help others grow and change.

And yes, you can also take this fast, even if you are starting your journey. It is the beauty of the Bodhisattva path—it is open to all those who walk with compassion.

Across different schools of Buddhism—especially Mahayana—many Bodhisattvas are revered like spiritual guides or divine friends. They show us that awakening can wear many faces. Let's meet some of them, shall we?

Tara Bodhisattva: The Swift Saviouress

If there’s one bodhisattva who’s always ready to leap into action, it’s Tara. She’s especially cherished in Tibetan Buddhism and often called the “Mother of All Buddhas.”

There are 21 forms of Tara, but the most famous are

Green Tara: The protector, quick to remove fears and obstacles
White Tara: The healer, known for long life and inner peace

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Think of Tara Bodhisattva as your spiritual emergency responder. She’s fierce, loving, and always alert.

Her mantra? “Om Tare Tuttare Ture Soha,” a chant for courage, safety, and boundless support.

Guanyin Bodhisattva: The Goddess of Mercy

You can learn about Guanyin as the softest, gentlest, and most beloved figure in East Asian Buddhism. It is the Chinese version of Avalokiteshvara, who is the Bodhisattva of infinite compassion.

Guanyin literally means "who listens to the cries of the world," and that says everything. Often reflects on the vase of sweet nectar and a willow branch, symbolizing the healing and flexibility. Despite any kind of suffering, Guanyin listens to all of it.

Maitreya Bodhisattva: The Buddha to Come

Maitreya isn’t just another bodhisattva—he’s the future Buddha, prophesied to appear when the teachings of the current age have faded.

Right now, he resides in a heavenly realm called Tushita, preparing to descend to Earth one day to rekindle the Dharma. Until then, he reminds us of hope, joy, and spiritual rebirth.

You’ll often find Maitreya portrayed in a relaxed seated pose, feet flat on the ground, ready to rise. Sometimes he's the chubby, smiling figure known as the Laughing Buddha (especially in Chinese temples).

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Can Anyone Become a Bodhisattva?

You do not need to wear robes or stay in the monastery. The Bodhisattva path is about the mentality and intentions. It is about the completion of each moment with a deep desire to help others awakened with mercy and courage and to awaken with its full potential.

The path involves practicing six perfections (pāramitās):

Generosity (Dana)—Giving without expecting return
Ethical Conduct (Śīla)—Living with integrity
Patience (Kṣānti) – Staying calm amid chaos
Joyful Effort (Vīrya) – Practicing with energy and enthusiasm
Meditation (Dhyāna)—Cultivating inner peace
Wisdom (Prajñā)—Seeing things as they truly are

Every act of compassion, every honest conversation, every time you choose kindness—you take a step closer to the bodhisattva way.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does "bodhisattva" mean in simple words?

A Bodhisattva is someone who seeks enlightenment (Buddhahood) not only for themselves but also to help all living beings end suffering. In simple terms, a Bodhisattva is a compassionate spiritual hero who postpones their own final liberation to assist others on the path to awakening.

2. Can anyone take the Bodhisattva vow?

Yes. Anyone sincerely committed to helping all beings can take the Bodhisattva vow. Traditionally, it is received from a teacher or spiritual mentor, but the essence of the vow is to cultivate compassion, wisdom, and altruism in daily life. Taking the vow is more about inner commitment than formal ritual, though rituals and guidance are encouraged in Vajrayana and Mahayana traditions.

3. Who are the most famous bodhisattvas?

Some of the most well-known Bodhisattvas in Buddhism include:

Avalokiteshvara: embodiment of compassion
Manjushri: embodiment of wisdom
Tara: female Bodhisattva of compassion and protection
Ksitigarbha (Jizo): protector of travelers and the deceased
Vajrapani: embodiment of power and the protection of the Dharma

In a world that is often split and disconnected, the Bodhisattva ideal is more relevant than ever. Whether it is Guanin's compassion, the fearlessness of Tara, or the hope of Maitreya, these enlightened creatures show us how to live with heart and purpose.

Want to bring the Bodhisattva soul into your daily life? Start small: Help a stranger, forgive more, or just stop and listen when someone needs support. This is the beginning of your own Bodhisattva trip.

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