Bodhicitta is the central axis
Bodhisattva practice is more than outward good deeds. The root of the path is the aspiration to awaken for the broadest benefit, then bringing that intention into speech, actions, relationships, and daily Dharma study.
Mahayana
What Is a Bodhisattva? The Vow and Practice of Awakening for the Benefit of Beings
Pāli: bodhisatta · Sanskrit: bodhisattva · Vietnamese: Bồ Tát
A Bodhisattva is someone who resolves to follow the path of awakening not only for themselves, but for the benefit of sentient beings. In the Mahayana tradition, the Bodhisattva is associated with bodhicitta, compassion, wisdom, and enduring vows and practice. This should not be understood as a title for self-glorification, a deity granting favors on demand, or a promise that everyone who practices will achieve quick results. Bodhisattva practice begins close at hand: doing less harm, observing precepts, studying the Dharma, cultivating loving-kindness and compassion, seeing others' suffering, and acting within one's capacity. The Lotus Sutra emphasizes the One Buddha Vehicle and includes the Universal Gateway chapter on Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva; treatises such as A Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life explain how to train in altruism, patience, diligence, and wisdom.
A guide by Inti Foundation · updated
Do not turn the ideal into arrogance
If we use the word Bodhisattva to claim superiority over others, the mind has already strayed from compassion and not-self. This ideal should make us more humble, not louder.
Free reading preview
No account needed to try one practice step
Open a short excerpt from this article, practice right here, then create an account if you want to save progress and unlock realms.
Tap to open a short passage and try one practice step before signing up.
Practice today
- 1.Choose a small act that reduces another person's suffering without needing praise.
- 2.Before helping someone, ask whether this respects boundaries and your actual capacity.
- 3.At the end of the day, recall an altruistic action and an instance when the ego still pulled you along.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Bodhisattva a deity who grants favors?
It should not be understood so simply. In Buddhism, the Bodhisattva is an ideal of awakening and relieving suffering through compassion, wisdom, and practice.
Can lay practitioners follow the Bodhisattva path?
Yes. Lay practitioners can begin by observing precepts, practicing generosity and patience, studying the Dharma, and doing less harm in daily life.
Should I call myself a Bodhisattva?
Do not rush to claim this. A more practical question is whether today's words and actions reduce greed, anger, and delusion and increase benefit for others.
Read, chant and recite every day with the free Inti Dharma app on Google Play (Android) and the App Store (iPhone).
Sources for deeper reading
The Lotus Sutra — The Universal Gateway Chapter
The Mahayana source in the Inti library presents the One Buddha Vehicle and the figure of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva.