what does bodhisattva mean in Buddhism?
In Buddhism, a Bodhisattva is a person who postpones enlightenment so as to contribute all living beings to accomplishing liberation (Nirvana). The word itself consist of the words bodhi which does mean “edification, enlightenment” and sattva which can be translated as “soul, being.” Piece together, Bodhisattva in Buddhism can be interpreted as “one whose essence is edification.”
And do you know what’s so amazing about this term? What I cherish is how comprehensive and global it is. Everyone’s being is awakening. We’re all peerless embodiments of the Divine. Hence, it is probable for all of us to become Bodhisattva if we so want.
7Signs you are on the track to becoming a Bodhisattva
Not everyone is appropriate or interested in Bodhisattvahood. This is a trajectory for specific souls who desire to make a revolutionary and permanent change not only in their own lives but in the lives of others too.
1. You feel an inner desire to assist, guide, and edify others
2. You usually feel severe pain for the distress and anguish of the planet (including plants, animals, ecosystems, and humanity as a whole)
3. You’re an extremely sensitive person
4. The trajectory of Heartfulness is more attractive to you than the trajectory of Mindfulness
5. You have great harmony with the Wounded Healer archetype
6. You’re a magnanimous and divine person by nature (your most profound achievement comes when you are of service)
7. You’ve experienced some kind of spiritual enlightenment
Bodhisattvas are also concentrated on the eagle’s eye view (contrary to the worm’s view) of life and the lifelong results of their actions. They tend toward a we-centered life philosophy rather than a me-centered attitude to living.
5 Ways to Display Your Soul’s Goal as a Bodhisattva
Bodhisattvas are available in all shapes and sizes.
Some Bodhisattvas want to nurture eco-friendly children. Others want to set up businesses that help others. And still, others may select a trajectory of service to animals, plants, or the environment as a whole. There are Bodhisattva who acts as social workers, scientists, nurses, and physicians. The opportunities are countless.
Your Bodhisattva trajectory may be spiritual, religious, or earthly – it is basically up to you and what reverberates at your inner soul.
1. Be self-kind, understanding that how you behave yourself spread into the external world
Begin first with yourself. Think about the question, what does my relationship with myself look like? Do you have the right self-esteem and self-respect? Do you love yourself?
Sure, it’s natural to maltreat yourself occasionally. But can you appease this mistreatment with the balm of compassion?
Exercising self-love is the leading medicine in the Bodhisattva’s medicine bag. One mild but strong way of raising this self-compassionate outlook is via the practice of Metta or tenderness meditation. You can also practice mantra meditations that concentrate on the vibration of love
2. Acts of kindness make small external waves but great internal changes
devote yourself to doing one small deliberate act of tenderness each day. The keyword here is deliberate. By being aware of this little dedication to life, you’re reasserting your trajectory and goal each day.
Examples could be supplying water or (suitable) food to local wildlife, providing a listening ear to someone in need, smiling at a stranger, giving your child the additional kindness they need, embracing your partner, assisting someone online, and so on. The inner spiritual magic that can stem from these small acts is deep.
Keep in mind that Bodhisattvahood is not about being a martyr or a submissive person. Yes, it’s significant to determine boundaries. Don’t overburden yourself if it will cause you damage. You are not going to be the next Jesus or Buddha. The point is to open your heart and pour out your inner essence. This can make warmth, hope, pleasure, and relief to others.
3. Create your own Bodhisattva vow
If being useful to the world and helping to alleviate the distress of other living beings is significant to you, regularize this goal with a vow.
A common Bodhisattva vow employed in different schools of Buddhism is the following:
Beings are countless, I vow to save them
Desires are interminable, I vow to put an end to them
Dharma doors are limitless; I vow to go into them
Buddha’s way is inimitable; I vow to become it.
Of course, there is no need to officially adopt the above vows – you’re more than welcome to create one of your own that originates from the heart.
But consider this practice as a way of reasserting your soul’s goal in this world. Consider it as a holy offering to life and this planet. So that it pierces profound into your psyche, place your Bodhisattva vow somewhere you can watch it every day.
4. Pose this question, “where are my actions incompatible with my heart’s purpose?”
There is no perfect man on earth. We all do incorrect things occasionally. Sometimes we are even drawn into plain old destructive habits that endure for years.
Being a Bodhisattva doesn’t deprive you of doing the strenuous inner work of securitizing your shadows. Everyone has a “dark side” – and it’s this invisible force that wants to destroy our best endeavors.
By recognizing dark differences and doing something about them, you won’t grapple with imposter syndrome. You’ll feel more inner transparency, reach more profound layers of love and inner peace, and feel more compatible with your Soul’s goal.
Note: this self-examining practice isn’t about mortifying yourself. It’s not about trying to be flawless. Instead, it’s about being frank and clear, characteristics that we need to improve on the Bodhisattva path and actually the whole spiritual trip.
One great place to begin your shadow work is via the easy act of writing in a diary.
5. Develop devotedness toward humanity
You inherently have endless Love and Pity – characteristics innate in your essence. Still, because of the pressure of modern-day living, it can be difficult sometimes to reach this inherent fountain of devotedness.
Two strong ways to open your heart and thereby display your Soul’s goal are to:
1. Practice thankfulness
2. Discover a role model
Firstly, thankfulness is an easy bodhisattva in Buddhism act that you can do each and every day. To help them not to forget this practice, some people have a stone close to their beds that they pick up every night, reminding them to be grateful. This ‘gratitude stone’ lets them take a few moments to state their thankfulness to life.
You can try the same method and find a thankfulness stone or rock, and put it near your bedside. Alternatively, you may like to write about the top ten things you’re thankful for each day. Being thankful is a practice firmly fixed in science, so don’t think it’s just nonsense!
Secondly, to remain determined and inspired, discover a role model.
