What role did the bodhisattva play in Buddhism?

Answer 1

This is a very interesting question. The mission of a Bodhisattva as described in Buddhism seems much like a personal sacrifice. One who has the potential to cease all creative egoistic thinking but chooses not to so as to receive one more human body for the sake of others. These are a special being and more frequently existing than a fully awakened Buddha. However that said they are not any where near as powerful as a fully awakened Buddha, but powerful enough to attract larger than normal groups of ignorant souls and have them enter the stream of no return toward liberation.

This is a kind of misconception however, because the universe and the mind have no limits. Being part of something that has no boundaries and realizing this truth leaves one; certainly at the rank of a Bodhisattva (Fully Enlightened and 99.99999999999999999 infinity% liberated) Free enough to choose their own mission. Although it seems as though they are compelled to aid others toward true and everlasting happiness, they make the conscious efforts everyday to maintain this desire and will do so until everything is liberated from material form.

If you are a seeker, try and learn concentration techniques and focus your stray thoughts toward meeting a master. When you think you found one, question him/her. If you feel compelled to learn from them, put efforts in to going to them, or bringing them to you. Never feel guilty about switching masters, not all of them are true enlightened masters.

Answer 2

In Mahayanana Buddhism a Bodhisattva is an enlightened persn who forgoes entry into Nirvana to return to the cycle of death and rebirth to help enlighten others so they may become enlightened and gain Nirvana.

This is the embodiment of a selfless act. {In addition to forgoing his or her entering nirvana or attaining buddhahood, they acheive buddahood anyway in their perfect compassion for awe.}

'''

Answer 3

Mahayana Buddhists place particular emphasis on the importance of the bodhisattvas for they put off their own final stage of enlightenment to completely alleviate the suffering of others.