Buddhism. Bodhisattva is what?

In Buddhism there is quite an interestinga being that is called a bodhisattva. It is believed that it is rather difficult for them to become, but it is possible, therefore, many who practice this path tend to achieve the desired state. In this article, you will receive an answer to the question: Bodhisattva - who is this? Also, you can find out the path that it follows, and the principles that it adheres to.

The concept of "bodhisattva"

A Bodhisattva is a person (on our planet),who reached enlightenment, but unlike the Buddha, he did not leave this world, but remained. His goal is quite simple and at the same time difficult - to help people on their way of spiritual perfection. It should also be noted that a Bodhisattva can be called a creature that realized the first bhumi. Until this happens, the term "jatisattva" is used.

Bodhisattvas often live in peace among otherspeople, keeping vows and not turning off the path. They are distinguished by charity and empathy for other beings. In the "Sutra Vimalakirti" you can find a story about a sick Bodhisattva. But when asked about why he is sick, then in return received the following: the disease happened from a great empathy for people who are sick. Thus, he seemed to be tuned in to their wave.

In general, it is believed that the arrival of such a creature onthe earth is a great good. After all, bodhisattvas always attract people who want to hear wisdom from them. Some receive the necessary push, which allows a radical change in their lives.

It should also be noted that in the different traditions of Buddhism this concept is somewhat different, as is the approach to the path itself. More details about this will be written below.

The first mention of a bodhisattva

For the first time, a Bodhisattva in Buddhism is mentionedthe initial stage of development of this religious trend. It can be found in the earliest sutras, for example Saddharmapundarika sutra (it contains twenty-three such beings), Vimalakirti nirdesh sutra (indicated more than fifty).

The Purpose of Bodhisattvas

As mentioned above, a Bodhisattva is one whohas already attained enlightenment. His destiny in this world is to accept suffering with joy, both his own and others. It is believed that this is the basis of the practice of such beings.

According to some sources, there are two typesBodhisattvas. Some do only good, their actions can not do harm for themselves or for anyone else. Thus, they do not accumulate bad karma ever, always doing the right thing.

The second type of bodhisattvas involves the accumulationbad karma, doing bad deeds for the benefit of others. And he is fully aware of his actions, as well as punishment for them (getting into the lower worlds after death). Many believe that it is the second way that requires greater strength of mind.

Obligatory Vows

A very important step in achievingBodhisattvas are the vows that he gives before he starts climbing the stairs upward. They presuppose the care of other beings, the eradication of various vices in oneself, the observance of morality, etc. Also entering on this path gives vows and four additional great vows.

The qualities (paramits) of a bodhisattva

Bodhisattvas have certain qualities,adhering to which you can not get off the chosen path of benefit to all people. In different sutras they are described in different amounts, but we will distinguish the ten most important:

• Dana-paramita. Generosity, which provides various benefits, both material and spiritual, as well as donations.
• Shila-paramita. Observance of vows, that is, compulsory adherence to the commandments and vows that help achieve enlightenment.
• Ksanti paramita. Patience, which allows you not to experience hatred and grip. Still this quality can be called equanimity - going is hard to get mad.
• Virya-paramita. Diligence (diligence) - there is only one thought, only one action and direction.
• Dhyana-paramita. Contemplation - there is concentration, samadhi.
• Prajna-parmita. Achievement and knowledge of the highest wisdom, the desire for it.
• Upaya-paramita. The tricks with which help bodhisattvas save those who need it. The peculiarity is that everyone has the right approach, which allows to direct the sufferer to the way out of the wheel of samsara.
• Pranidhana-paramita. Vows that are required to observe a bodhisattva.
• Bala-paramita. The inner power that illuminates everything around and helps those who are around the higher being to take the path of virtue.
• Jnana-paramita. Knowledge, which presupposes the possibility of independent existence in completely different places.

The stages of development of bodhisattvas

There are also ten stages of developmentBodhisattvas. Each step takes a lot of rebirths, and it takes quite a few million years. Thus, these beings voluntarily condemn themselves to the wheel of samsara in order to help them escape from it to other beings. Consider the levels (bhumi) of bodhisattvas (they are taken from two sources - "Madhyamikavatara" and "Sacred sutra of golden color"):

• the one who has the highest joy;
• the undefiled;
• shining;
• flaming;
• hard-to-reach;
• manifested;
• far-reaching;
• real;
• the wise;
• cloud of dharma.

Bodhisattva in Hinayana

Also should be considered what it meansBodhisattva in Buddhism of different traditions. During the time that this religion appeared, some began to perceive the way of enlightenment a little differently, as well as attitudes toward other beings.

So, in the Hinayana, a Bodhisattva is a being (histhe body can be completely different, for example, an animal, a person or a representative of the hellish planets), which decided to go the way to become a Buddha. Such a decision should arise on the basis of a great desire to leave the wheel of samsara.

In the direction of Hinayana such beings canbe only the former Buddhas (no more than twenty-four), and until the moment they did not become them. Bodhisattvas must meet at one of the births with the Buddha, who makes them a prophecy, predicting future enlightenment.

It should be noted that in the tradition of HinayanaBodhisattva is not the ideal of teaching. Most of all, followers strive to attain the status of an archangel who is considered a saint who has gone on his way to nirvana on his own, only following the instructions of the Buddha. No one else can help him here. This is because in this teaching it is impossible for a simple believer to attain the level of the Buddha.

Bodhisattva in Mahayana

The Bodhisattva in Mahayana Buddhism has severalanother status, but the flow itself, which was formed much later than the previous one, is different. The main feature of Mahayana is the thesis that everyone who believes and keeps vows can be saved. That is why the movement received the name, which is translated as "the great chariot".

In Mahayana Buddhism, a bodhisattva is a religiousan ideal to which every successor of the current should strive. The archangels, who are idealized in Hinayana, are questioned because they seek personal enlightenment, not caring at all about the suffering of other people. Thus, he remains within the limits of his "I".

On the whole, in Mahayana, the path of archanism is a narrow and selfish path. Mahayana justified the concept of three ways: achieving arkhan, then enlightening the pratyek-buddhas and the very path of the bodhisattva.

Bodhisattva in the Vajrayana

In Vajrayana, a bodhisattva is a mixture ofthe ideal of this image with a yogi who perfectly owns all the siddhas. This, in principle, is natural, since the flow itself arose much later than the previous two. Another feature is that some Bodhisattvas are emanations of certain Buddhas. Thus, the very principle of the path to perfection is lost.

Some Bodhisattvas who lived in our world

It should be noted that in every flow of Buddhismthere is a pantheon of bodhisattvas, the list of which may vary. For example, in Mahayana one can find real bodhisattvas who lived at different stages of their development. This Aryaasanga (third level), Naagaarjuna (nine levels), and others. The most important are considered Avalokitershvara, Ksitigarbha, Manjushree et al.

Maitreya is a bodhisattva who should sooncome to earth. Now he undergoes large checks in the sky of Tushita's sphere of desires. It should be noted that he is revered as a Bodhisattva in all the currents of Buddhism.

Conclusion

Now you know the answer to the question: Bodhisattva in Buddhism - what is it? Despite the fact that the attitude to these beings in different directions of Buddhism is different, their peculiarity and need is difficult to challenge, because for the formation on this path one must have a strong will and spirit.