Japanese word

菩薩

Pronunciation

Romajibosatsu

Meaning

  • nounbodhisattva

Example

菩薩は仏になる前に人々を救います。bo satsu wa futsu ni na ru mae ni hito bito o suku i ma su

A bodhisattva saves people before becoming a buddha.

Illustration for 菩薩 (bodhisattva)

More examples

寺では菩薩に祈り、心の平安を願います。tera de wa bo satsu ni ino ri kokoro no hei an o nega i ma su

At the temple, we pray to a bodhisattva and wish for peace of mind.

Core concept

Refers to one who seeks buddhahood but continues helping living beings instead of pursuing liberation only for oneself.

Common phrases

  • 菩薩の誓願bo satsu no sei gan

    a bodhisattva vow

  • 菩薩の慈悲bo satsu no ji hi

    a bodhisattva's compassion

  • 菩薩に祈るbo satsu ni ino ru

    pray to a bodhisattva

Definition in Japanese

悟りを得て仏になることを願い、同時に他の人々を救おうとする仏教の修行者。sato ri o e te futsu ni na ru ko to o nega i dō ji ni hoka no hito bito o suku ō to su ru buk kyō no shu gyō sha

Word origin

菩薩 (bosatsu, "bodhisattva") is borrowed through Chinese from Sanskrit bodhisattva, formed from bodhi "awakening" and sattva "being".

Usage tips

  • The word bodhisattva is used in English mainly in Buddhist contexts and is especially associated with the Mahayana ideal of compassionate action.

Word lists with this word