The Ideal of the Bodhisattva in Buddhism: Compassion, Wisdom, and Selflessness

Bodhisattva is a Sanskrit term that refers to a being who has attained a high level of spiritual realization and enlightenment, but chooses to remain in the world to help others achieve enlightenment as well. In Buddhism, a bodhisattva is someone who has reached the stage of Buddhahood but delays their own entry into Nirvana in order to help others achieve enlightenment.
Bodhisattvas are often depicted as compassionate beings who work tirelessly to alleviate the suffering of all living beings. They are said to possess great wisdom, courage, and selflessness, and are revered for their ability to guide others on the path to enlightenment. In Mahayana Buddhism, the ideal of the bodhisattva is considered the ultimate goal of the spiritual practitioner, as it represents the pinnacle of compassion, wisdom, and selflessness.
In Theravada Buddhism, the concept of the bodhisattva is not recognized, and the focus is on individual enlightenment rather than helping others achieve enlightenment. However, the idea of the bodhisattva has been influential in Mahayana Buddhism, particularly in the Pure Land tradition, where the goal is to be reborn in the Pure Land, a realm of enlightenment and bliss, and to help others achieve the same goal.
In summary, a bodhisattva is a being who has attained a high level of spiritual realization but chooses to remain in the world to help others achieve enlightenment, representing the pinnacle of compassion, wisdom, and selflessness in Buddhist philosophy.