Word Study
bodhisattva
CIDE DICTIONARY
bodhisattva, n. [Skr. b (perh. through Pali b); fr. b knowledge, enlightenment + sattva being, essence.].
One who has reached the highest degree of saintship, so that in his next incarnation he will be a Buddha, or savior of the world. [Webster 1913 Suppl.]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
bodhisattva, n. in Mahayana Buddhism, one who is able to reach nirvana but delays doing so through compassion for suffering beings.
Etymology
Skr., = one whose essence is perfect knowledge
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