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add Sanskrit meaning and vow
In [[Buddhism]], a '''bodhisattva''' is an enlightened person who delays reaching [[Nirvana]] in order to help others reach Nirvana. [[Mahayana]] and [[Theravada]] Buddhism have different attitudes towards bodhisattvas. In the Theravada tradition, a person can achieve complete enlightenment as an individual without becoming a bodhisattva. In contrast, Mahayana take a dim view of such individuals and argue that in order to achieve true and complete Nirvana, one must become a bodhisattva.
In [[Buddhism]], a '''bodhisattva''' (from the [[Sanskrit]] words ''bodhi'', meaning "awakened", and ''sattva'', meaning "existence") is an enlightened person who delays reaching [[Nirvana]] in order to help others reach Nirvana. [[Mahayana]] and [[Theravada]] Buddhism have different attitudes towards bodhisattvas. In the Theravada tradition, a person can achieve complete enlightenment as an individual without becoming a bodhisattva. In contrast, Mahayana take a dim view of such individuals and argue that in order to achieve true and complete Nirvana, one must become a bodhisattva.
The Bodhisattva Vow is recited throughout the Mahayana Buddhist world:
<blockquote>
However innumerable sentient beings are, I vow to save them.<br />
However inexhaustible the defilements are, I vow to extinguish them.<br />
However immeasurable the dharmas are, I vow to master them.<br />
However incomparable enlightenment is, I vow to attain it.<br />
</blockquote>
[[Category:Buddhism]]
[[Category:Buddhism]]