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Self-sacrifice is the basis of Buddhism: the Bodhisattva ideal.
The bodhisattva ideal is embodied in the bodhisattva vow:
May I attain Buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings.
This practically means that one vows not just to attain enlightenment or Nirvana (ambitious enough of itself), but to postpone enjoying that enlightenment fully untill all other beings too haver reached liberation.
This lens explores how the Bodhisattva ideal is rooted in the life of Buddha, but is ultimately a central feature of Mahayana Buddhism. The stages of the path of the Bodhisattva are listed as well as the ideals (paramitas) a Bodhisattva tries to live up to.
More on Bodhisattvas: links
- Versions of the Bodhisattva vow
- Short explanation of the Bodhisattva vow and versions of this vow from various Mahayana traditions.
- The paramitas: virtues of perfection
- A discussion of the six virtues that the Bodhisattva vows to try and live. Some lists have 10 paramitas or virtues.
- 10 Bhumi's, paramita's or stages
- A short list of 10 stages of Bodhisattva development. There is overlap with the six paramitas.
The lives of Buddha: the ultimate Bodhisattva
Before Gautama was Enlightened, he was Bodhisattva
There are also many stories about the previous lives of the Buddha. In these lives he is said to have worked towards becoming a Buddha. The Jataka tales (tales of those previous lives) show him sacrificing his life, his health, his possessions and ultimately even his wife and kids for the wellfare of others. This sacrificial attitude shows why he was capable of becoming a Buddha - while most of us aren't (in this lifetime). And because he was on his way to becoming a Buddha, he is called 'the bodhisattva' in those lives as well.
The Arhat ideal
Theravada Buddhism does not expect us to become Buddhas, but Arhats
Everybody else is expected to become enlightened without being able to become a world teacher. This ideal is the 'arhat' ideal. Theravada Buddhists will ask: fighting for one's own enlightenment is hard enough, why presume to be able to save the rest of conscious existence as well?
Books on Bodhisattvas and the Buddhist path on Amazon
Bodhisattva Mind: Teachings to Cultivate Courage and Awareness in the Midst of Suffering
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Amazon Price: $48.97 (as of 05/09/2008)
A Flash of Lightning in the Dark of Night: A Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life (Shambhala Dragon Editions)
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Amazon Price: $10.32 (as of 05/09/2008)
Meaningful to Behold: The Bodhisattva's Way of Life
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Being Upright: Zen Meditation and the Bodhisattva Precepts
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Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life: A Buddhist Poem for Today
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Amazon Price: $24.95 (as of 05/09/2008)
The essence of Mahayana Buddhism: the Bodhisattva ideal
You CAN become a Buddha, you CAN help save humanity
In Mahayana Buddhism the central ideal is the Bodhisattva ideal. People entering Zen Buddhism as a serious spiritual path will be taught to pray the Bodhisattva Vow. It is thought to be selfish to just want to save your self - and ignore all other beings. Instead one vows not just to reach enlightenment, but to get the knowledge necessary to save others as well.
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