bodhisattva
UK[ˌbəʊ.diˈsʌt.və]US[ˌboʊ.diˈsɑːt.və]
n
in mahayana buddhism, a person who is able to reach nirvana but delays doing so out of compassion in order to save suffering beings.
Etymology
the term 'bodhisattva' is a direct borrowing from sanskrit, composed of two elements in the original language: 'bodhi', meaning 'enlightenment' or 'awakening', and 'sattva', meaning 'being' or 'essence'. it literally translates to 'enlightenment-being' or 'one whose essence is enlightenment'. in buddhist doctrine, it entered english through scholarly and religious transmission, retaining its core meaning of a compassionate being who forgoes final nirvana to aid others on the path to awakening. the word's journey from ancient indian religious texts to modern english vocabulary exemplifies the direct import of specialized spiritual concepts.
Analysis
this is a direct loanword from sanskrit. it is not segmented into meaningful parts using english spelling conventions.
Examples
the bodhisattva vowed to help all sentient beings achieve liberation.
in many buddhist artworks, avalokiteshvara is depicted as a compassionate bodhisattva.
the concept of the bodhisattva is central to mahayana buddhism's emphasis on universal salvation.