菩萨

(菩薩, 菩萨)

(sa) bodhisattva, cf. [lang id =1028]菩提薩埵. While the idea is not foreign to Hīnayāna, its extension of meaning is one of the chief marks of Mahāyāna. 'The Bodhisattva is indeed the characteristic feature of the Mahāyāna.' Keith. According to Mahāyāna the Hinayanists, i.e. the (sa) śrāvaka and (sa) pratyekabuddha, seek their own salvation, while the (sa) bodhisattva's aim is the salvation of others and of all. The earlier intp. of (sa) bodhisattva was [lang id =1028]大道心衆生 all beings with mind for the truth; later it became [lang id =1028]大覺有情 conscious beings of or for the great intelligence, or enlightenment. It is also intp. in terms of leadership, heroism, etc. In general it is a Mahayanist seeking Buddhahood, but seeking it altruistically; whether monk or layman, he seeks enlightenment to enlighten others, and he will sacrifice himself to save others; he is devoid of egoism and devoted to helping others. All conscious beings having the Buddha-nature are natural (sa) bodhisattvas, but require to undergo development. The (sa) mahāsattva is sufficiently advanced to become a Buddha and enter (sa) nirvāṇa, but according to his vow he remains in the realm of incarnation to save all conscious beings. A monk should enter on the arduous course of discipline which leads to Bodhisattvahood and Buddhahood.