The English term Siddhartha is a mispronunciation of the Sanskrit word “Buddh.” The Sanskrit words “Bodhi” and “Sattv” are combined to form the term Bodhisattva.
In Bodhisattva, the phrase “Sattva” is an English translation of the Sanskrit root word “Sattv.” To go deeper into the worlds of buddha and bodhisattva, we must first comprehend their definitions and distinctions in order to pronounce them accurately in terms of facts and traditions.
In no time, you’ll be able to grasp both phrases, thanks to this descriptive article!
Key Takeaways
- Buddha refers to an enlightened being who has achieved Nirvana.
- Bodhisattva is an enlightened individual who delays Nirvana to help others attain enlightenment.
- Both concepts originate in Buddhism and emphasize compassion and selflessness.
Buddha vs Bodhisattva
Buddha is a title that refers to a person who has attained complete enlightenment and awakened to the true nature of reality in the teachings of Buddhism. Bodhisattva is a being who has taken a vow to attain enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings and is not yet fully enlightened.
Sattva Gunh begins to rule humans when someone can regulate their mental activity. The misunderstood vision (Maya) of truth fades away, the Buddhi shines out, a correct view of reality emerges, and the person sees reality as it is.
He is liberated from the cycle of birth and rebirth by understanding the causal process by which sentient creatures come into and go out of creation. The human capable of obtaining this stage is Buddha himself, and hence, he is the leader or rather the inspiration for every human being that dwells in this era and the coming eras too.
The terms Bodhi, as well as Sattva combine to form Bodhisattva. Bodhi is the Sanskrit word for “complete understanding” or “intelligence.”
It is information that is pure, global, and quick.
Sattva is a mental state in which the mind is stable, quiet, and serene, and brain state, speech, and behaviours are all coordinated to keep this state of mind. It is the process and aura of getting close to the ideal and obtaining the stage of Buddha himself.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Buddha | Bodhisattva |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Onset | Lord Buddha was born in 623 BC. | The height of the adoration of Bodhisattva in north India happened between the 3rd–7th centuries. Guanyin bodhisattva devotion was first brought into China in the 1st century ce. |
| Etymology | Sanskrit bodhati “is awake, observes, understands,” from PIE root *bheudh- “be aware, make aware. | Sanskrit, ‘a person whose essence is perfect knowledge’, from bodhi ‘perfect knowledge’ (from budh- ‘know perfectly’) + sattva ‘being, essence’. |
| Meaning | The Buddha was the founder of Buddhism. The term ‘Buddha’ is a designation that simply translates ‘one that is enlightened. | A Bodhisattva is a person who seeks Bodhi while also practising Sattva. |
| Stage | The final stage of understanding the reality and getting freedom from the cycle of life, death and rebirth. | The prior stage of becoming Buddha. It requires utmost dedication and devotion as well as knowledge. |
| Attainability | Is not attainable. | Is attainable with great devotion and righteousness. |
Who is Buddha?
The Buddha was the founder of Buddhism. The term ‘Buddha’ is a designation that translates as ‘one that is enlightened,’ as in ‘waking up to the real world.’ Approximately two thousand years ago, Buddhism was founded in Nepal as a direction pointed out by Siddhartha Gautama.
He didn’t pretend to be a prophecy or a divinity. He was a normal being who became Awakened, gaining a complete comprehension of existence.
Siddhartha was raised in a tiny country on the Indian border, namely; Nepal, in a royal household. Thus according to legend, he had a wealthy childhood but was shaken awake when he realized that life involves the harsh realities of old age, disease, and mortality.
Siddhartha Gautama represented a huge class of individuals who already had gone out of Indian culture in search of emancipation with all these deeds. Before ascending to the stage of being called ‘Buddha’, Gautama examined many different methodologies and educators, including sceptics, realists, idealogues, and dialecticians.
During their time, the vast woodland and swarming marketplace were alive with the noises of hundreds of debates and viewpoints. Siddhartha and his five associates exercised abstinence and meditation for six long years.
He pushed himself to the limit, consuming only a solitary grain of rice every day and battling his thoughts against his body. His ribs protruded from his rotting flesh that he appeared to become more dead than alive, and then, the moment of ascension from Siddhartha to Buddha happened.
What is Bodhisattva?
A Bodhisattva is a person who seeks Bodhi while also practising Sattva. That really is a person who chases detailed understanding with a steady, quiet, and serene mind by meticulously synchronizing his or her brain functions, words, and deeds.
An aspirant Buddha or Bodhisattva is someone who aspires to be a Buddha or a Bodhisattva. Bodhisattvas are enlightened Buddha worshippers and followers who are on the verge of achieving full knowledge.
Per some Vajrayana religious texts, Bodhisattvas intentionally preserve a small karmic power in their awareness so that they might resurrect back into the human realm. To bring out their endless empathetic doings in relieving folks, or that they are genuinely Buddhas who manifest themselves to someone in this universe.
On the other hand, the real essence of Bodhisattva is very distinct from humankind’s vision. The Bodhisattva is someone who reveres the Buddha, studies the Buddhist Teachings, and is willing to aid humanity, even if it means devoting one’s entire life to the liberation of all creatures.
The Buddhists must follow the Bodhisattva route in order to be the next Buddha. And becoming the Buddha is the result of Bodhisattva practice.
Main Differences Between Buddha and Bodhisattva
- Buddha was the first person to attain nirvana, whereas Bodhisattva came after Buddha left the world of mortals.
- Buddha is a pioneer, whereas bodhisattva is the following league.
- Buddha is the supreme deity, whereas bodhisattvas are the followers and practitioners of the teachings of Buddha.
- Buddha is a stage of absolute nirvana, whereas bodhisattva is an attainable stage that can be obtained by utmost divinity and dedication towards life and Buddhism.
- Buddha was born in 623 BC, whereas the bodhisattva was introduced in the 3rd century in India.
- https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/1958/02/the-meaning-of-buddhism/306832/
- https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bodhisattva
Last Updated : 13 July, 2023
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The explanation of Bodhisattva’s role in Buddhism sheds light on the compassionate nature of this concept. It deepens one’s appreciation of the Bodhisattva path.
I found the narrative of Siddhartha’s transformation into Buddha to be truly compelling. It highlights the human experience and quest for enlightenment.
The origins of the word Siddhartha and its relation to the term ‘Buddh’ are definitely insightful and thought-provoking. It’s interesting to know the etymology behind ‘Bodhisattva’ as well.
This article does an excellent job of providing a comprehensive comparison between Buddha and Bodhisattva, allowing readers to understand the distinctions between the two.
Absolutely, it’s crucial to understand the meaning behind these terms to appreciate Buddhism better.
The explanation of Bodhisattva’s role in Buddhism sheds light on the compassionate nature of this concept. It deepens one’s appreciation of the Bodhisattva path.
The distinction between Buddha and Bodhisattva’s stages and attainability is well elucidated. It enhances the understanding of their spiritual journeys.
The detailed historical background of Siddhartha Gautama and how he evolved into Buddha is truly captivating. It offers profound insights into his transformative journey.
Absolutely, the narrative of Siddhartha’s enlightenment journey is both compelling and inspiring. It exemplifies the human quest for spiritual awakening.
The section on Sattva Gunh and how it relates to the process of understanding reality is particularly fascinating. It’s always important to delve into the philosophical and spiritual aspects of these concepts.
I appreciate the detailed comparison table that outlines the differences between Buddha and Bodhisattva. It enhances clarity and understanding of these profound concepts.
I completely agree. The in-depth exploration of Sattva and its significance in attaining the stage of Buddha provides valuable insights into the nature of enlightenment.
The clarifications about the meaning of Bodhisattva and the aspirant Buddha are thought-provoking. It expounds on the significance of pursuing enlightenment in Buddhism.
Indeed, the distinction between Bodhisattva and Buddha aspirations offers valuable insights into the spiritual paths embraced in Buddhism.
This article provides a comprehensive and detailed analysis of the concepts of Buddha and Bodhisattva. It offers valuable insights into their significance in Buddhist traditions.