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Questions tagged [bodhisattva]

A being on the spiritual quest (Theravada) or an awakened being who vowed to indefinitely stay in Samsara for the sake of others (Mahayana).

In Theravada, the term is commonly applied to the historical Buddha before his awakening but is also used for any being that intends to awaken. In Mahayana, Bodhisattva is an awakened being who vowed to work for the awakening and liberation of all sentient beings as long as Samsara persists.

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Does there exist a Pali Canon sutta that claims that a Bodhisattva can only be a male Brahmin or Kshatriya? If yes, is it possibly apocryphal?

I ask this question as someone on Twitter was arguing that Buddhism is casteist. He claimed that only upper castes were permitted to enter monkhood. I told him this was completely false and shared the example of Upali the barber. He shared the…
Luv
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Was the Buddha a bodhisattva (for the benefit of all) before his awakening?

Was the Buddha a bodhisattva before his awakening? Are there references from the suttas which point to when (possibly in past lives)? Bodhisattva is the Sanskrit term for anyone who has generated Bodhicitta, a spontaneous wish and compassionate…
user8619
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Identification of Buddhist saints or sages

I have a pair of antique statuettes which were made in Japan. I assume they are Buddhist saints or sages and I am hoping someone can identify who they represent:
Tyler Durden
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Does anyone know what Bhodisattva this figurine represents?

I purchased this beautiful figurine, but actually I have no idea what exactly it represents. Maybe somebody can tell me more about the symbolism in it (including the mudra)?
MaximeW
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What does celestial mean in 'celestial bodhisattva'

What does celestial mean in 'celestial bodhisattva'. I'm aware of the definition of the term "celestial", but wondered if it meant that the bodhisattva was not born on earth, so that e.g. tantric masters are not celestial beings.
user2512