bodhisattva; compassionate person
Meanings
3 senses · 7 examplesnoun
bodhisattva (in Buddhism, an enlightened being who postpones nirvana to help others)
formalTechnical Buddhist term referring to a being who has attained advanced spiritual realization and compassion, choosing to remain in the cycle of rebirth to guide sentient beings toward enlightenment.
Guanyin is one of the most revered bodhisattvas in Buddhism.
He vowed to be like Manjushri, using wisdom to help all sentient beings.
noun
Buddha and certain deities; divine beings
neutralGeneral reference to religious figures in Buddhism and Chinese folk religion, often used when worshipping or referring to sacred images.
This ancient temple enshrines several Buddhas and deities.
The elderly in the village often go to worship the gods on the first and fifteenth of each month, praying for peace.
noun
a compassionate or kind-hearted person (metaphorical)
neutralMetaphorical use comparing a kind, selfless person to a bodhisattva. Often used as a compliment for someone who helps others unconditionally.
She is truly a living bodhisattva, always selflessly helping those poor children.
You truly have the heart of a bodhisattva, you can't help but take stray cats home when you see them.
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During that difficult time, he saved our whole family like a bodhisattva.