Bodhisattva

High school (ages 12+)
Philosophy & Big Questions

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/bodhisattva

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the ultimate goal?Attainment of Buddhahood for the liberation of all sentient beings from samsara
2. What is the core principle?Bodhicitta: the altruistic aspiration to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all
3. Why do Bodhisattvas wait to go to nirvana?They promise to stay in the world until everyone else is free from suffering, so they help others first.
4. How can anyone become a Bodhisattva?In Mahayana Buddhism, anyone who feels the wish to help all beings can try to become a Bodhisattva by practicing compassion and wisdom.

Bodhisattva: An enlightened being who postpones personal nirvana to compassionately guide all sentient beings toward Buddhahood.
Bodhicitta: The profound and spontaneous aspiration to attain enlightenment for the sake of all beings, driven by great compassion.
Prajñāpāramitā: The perfection of transcendent wisdom, understanding the ultimate nature of reality and emptiness.
Upāya: Skillful means; the practical ability to adapt methods and teachings to effectively help diverse individuals.