Definition of bodhisattva

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bo·dhi·satt·va    (bd-stv) KEY 

NOUN:
Buddhism

An enlightened being who, out of compassion, forgoes nirvana in order to save others.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Sanskrit bodhisattva, one whose essence is enlightenment : bodhi, perfect knowledge; see bheudh- in Indo-European roots + sattvam, essence, being (from sat-, existing; see es- in Indo-European roots)