bodhisattva

noun bo·dhi·satt·va \ˌbō-di-ˈsət-və, -ˈsät-\

Definition of BODHISATTVA

: a being that compassionately refrains from entering nirvana in order to save others and is worshipped as a deity in Mahayana Buddhism

bo·dhi·satt·va or bod·dhi·satt·va \ˌbō-di-ˈsət-və, -ˈsät-\

Sanskrit bodhisattva one whose essence is enlightenment, from bodhi enlightenment + sattva being — more at bid

First Known Use: 1828

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