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4 pages/β‰ˆ1100 words
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Subject:
Religion & Theology
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English (U.S.)
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Topic:

Consider the concept of the bodhisattva. What is a bodhisattva?

Essay Instructions:

Consider the concept of the bodhisattva. What is a bodhisattva?
After following the tutorials on how to use the library's databases, select a database, then use it to find either a news article or a peer-reviewed journal article. Include the MLA citation for the article in your sources cited at the end of your journal entry.
The prompt for this journal entry: What is a bodhisattva? Cite examples. How is the Mahayana concept of the bodhisattva related to interpretations of the concept of sangha? Your journal entry should address Buddhist beliefs about reincarnation, interdependence, and possibly soteriology (salvation in Buddhist terms).

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Bodhisattva
The term “bodhisattva” comes from two words, namely “bodhi” and “sattva.” “Bodhi” refers to spiritual awakening or enlightenment, while “sattva” refers to a “being”. As such, “bodhisattva” means an “enlightened being”. In Mahayana Buddhism, the primary objective of Buddhists is to enlighten others. “Bodhisattva” delays entering nirvana so that they can influence others and ensure that they will all go together. In particular, it means postponing one’s salvation to help others. Ordinary people live by their desires and are focused on achieving their personal goals. However, “bodhisattvas” live by vows that enable them to assist other individuals in becoming the best versions of themselves. They take an oath to free ordinary people from suffering, end delusions, enter dharma, and embody the awakened way (O’Brien). Apparently, “bodhisattvas” can manifest in various forms since they are like angels whose primary objective is to save others. They help others without selfishness, particularly in ending human pain. The concept of “bodhisattva” in Mahayana Buddhism means enlightenment beings who delay entering nirvana so that they can save others.
“Bodhisattva” primary objective is to ensure that many humans are enlightened to reduce their sufferings. In essence, Buddha was committed to finding various ways to eradicate people’s pain and ensure that they live peacefully and happily. For example, Mahayana Buddhists believe that “bodhisattva” is an ideal believer, and many of them want to reach that point during their lifetime. The compassion and devotion of enlightening and liberating others are what determines whether one can be a “bodhisattva” or not. Buddhists are not self-centered and follow the footsteps of Buddha to eliminate human sufferings on the face of the earth. For instance, Maitreya refers to a Buddha who appears in the future to enlighten others. In Buddhism art, “bodhisattvas” are princely figures that are differentiated from others by the small flask they hold in their left hand, which is believed to be full of immortality liquid. In Sanskrit, “bodhisattvas” are known as Avalokitesvara, and they take both female and male figures. They are characterized by compassion and mercy, which make them empathetic such that they help others by enlightening and preparing them for nirvana (Historytoday.com). Consequently, “bodhisattvas” are devoted to liberating ordinary Buddhists, and it is the primary objective of Mahayana Buddhism.
“Bodhisattva” in Mahayana Buddhism relates to the interpretation of the sangha concept. Specifically, sangha means a community of Buddhists that comprises of laypeople, nuns, and monks (Berzin). In Asian Buddhism, it means ordained monks and nuns. In other words, one can perceive sangha as the church in Christianity for a better understanding. A church refers to the place where congregations, regardless of their denominations, meet to worship and pray to God. Early Buddhists perceived s...
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