The Most Popular Bodhisattva, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the Bodhisattva you think is the most popular!
Updated on Jul 17, 2024 07:55
In the rich tapestry of spiritual traditions, the concept of the Bodhisattva holds a special place, embodying the pursuit of enlightenment not just for oneself but for all beings. This altruistic intent resonates deeply with many, fostering a community of followers and admirers around the world. Understanding which Bodhisattva resonates most widely can provide insights into the values and aspirations that are most cherished among these communities.
By participating in this ranking, you contribute to a collective expression of reverence and preference within this spiritual framework. Each vote helps to highlight the qualities and stories of the Bodhisattvas that inspire and influence people today. This ongoing tally is not just a list, but a reflection of the present spiritual landscape, shifted and shaped by your participation.
Who Is the Most Popular Bodhisattva?
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120points
Ksitigarbha
Known for his vow not to achieve Buddhahood until all hells are emptied, Ksitigarbha is the Bodhisattva of the Hell Beings and is deeply venerated for his compassion.- Symbol: Staff and wish-fulfilling jewel
- Vow: Not to achieve Buddhahood until all hells are emptied
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217points
Maitreya
Known as the future Buddha, Maitreya is believed to be a Bodhisattva who will appear on Earth, achieve complete enlightenment, and teach the pure dharma.- Symbol: Water pot
- Future Buddha: Will appear to teach the pure dharma
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313points
Vajrapani
The Bodhisattva of Power, Vajrapani represents the power of all the Buddhas and is depicted wielding a vajra or thunderbolt.- Symbol: Vajra or thunderbolt
- Aspect: Power of all Buddhas
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413points
Akasagarbha
Known as the Bodhisattva of the Boundless Space, Akasagarbha is associated with vastness and the deep consciousness of the void.- Symbol: Sword and jewel
- Association: Vastness and void
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511points
Samantabhadra
Representing the practice and meditation of all Buddhas, Samantabhadra is often associated with action and is usually depicted riding an elephant.- Symbol: Elephant
- Association: Practice and meditation
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66points
Tara
Tara is a female Bodhisattva who is known for her swift action in responding to the needs of those who invoke her. She has 21 major forms, each with different colors and attributes.- Forms: 21 major forms
- Color: Green and White are the most famous
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70points
Amitabha
Amitabha is the principal Buddha in Pure Land Buddhism, a branch of East Asian Buddhism. He possesses infinite merits resulting from good deeds over countless past lives as a Bodhisattva named Dharmakara.- Pure Land: Sukhavati
- Vow: To create a Pure Land accessible to all beings
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80points
Avalokiteshvara
Known as the Bodhisattva of Compassion, Avalokiteshvara is one of the most widely revered Bodhisattvas in Mahayana Buddhism, embodying the compassion of all Buddhas.- Manifestations: Has many forms, including Guanyin in China and Chenrezig in Tibet.
- Symbol: Lotus
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90points
Sarvanivarana-Vishkambhin
The Bodhisattva who Removes All Obstacles and Hindrances, Sarvanivarana-Vishkambhin is invoked for overcoming difficulties and for purification.- Purpose: Removes obstacles and hindrances
- Association: Purification and overcoming difficulties
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100points
Manjushri
The Bodhisattva of Wisdom, Manjushri represents the wisdom of all the Buddhas and is often depicted holding a flaming sword to cut through ignorance.- Symbol: Sword and Lotus
- Mount: Lion
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About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Bodhisattva. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Bodhisattva is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 2150 views
- 80 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Bodhisattva once every 24 hours. The rank of each Bodhisattva is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
Additional Information
More about the Most Popular Bodhisattva
Rank #1 for the most popular Bodhisattva: Ksitigarbha (Source)
A Bodhisattva is a being who seeks enlightenment and helps others achieve it too. This concept is central to Mahayana Buddhism. Unlike those who seek personal enlightenment, Bodhisattvas delay their own final enlightenment to help others. They embody compassion and selflessness.
The term "Bodhisattva" comes from Sanskrit. It means "enlightenment being." In Mahayana Buddhism, Bodhisattvas take vows to assist all sentient beings. They aim to relieve suffering and guide others on the path to enlightenment. This vow is known as the Bodhisattva vow.
Bodhisattvas are often depicted in art and literature. They appear in various forms and hold different attributes. They may be shown with multiple arms, each holding a symbolic object. These objects represent their qualities and abilities. For example, some hold a lotus flower, symbolizing purity. Others hold a sword, representing wisdom that cuts through ignorance.
Bodhisattvas play a key role in Buddhist teachings. They serve as models of ideal behavior. Their stories inspire practitioners to cultivate compassion and wisdom. Many Buddhists pray to Bodhisattvas for guidance and support. They believe Bodhisattvas can intervene in their lives and help them overcome obstacles.
The path of a Bodhisattva involves several stages. These stages are called "bhumi" in Sanskrit. Each stage represents a level of spiritual development. As Bodhisattvas progress, they gain greater insight and abilities. They also face challenges that test their resolve and compassion.
Bodhisattvas practice the "Six Perfections" or "Paramitas." These are generosity, morality, patience, effort, concentration, and wisdom. By perfecting these qualities, they advance on their path. They also inspire others to develop these virtues.
Bodhisattvas are not limited to historical figures. Many Buddhists believe that anyone can become a Bodhisattva. This belief encourages practitioners to strive for enlightenment while helping others. It fosters a sense of community and shared purpose.
In Mahayana texts, Bodhisattvas often engage in dialogues with the Buddha. These dialogues explore deep philosophical concepts. They also offer practical advice for living a compassionate life. Through these teachings, Bodhisattvas provide guidance for both novice and experienced practitioners.
Bodhisattvas are also central to certain rituals and ceremonies. In some traditions, practitioners recite specific mantras dedicated to them. These mantras are believed to invoke the presence and blessings of Bodhisattvas. Such practices help deepen one's connection to these enlightened beings.
The influence of Bodhisattvas extends beyond Buddhism. Their qualities of compassion and selflessness resonate with people of various backgrounds. They serve as universal symbols of altruism and moral integrity.
In summary, Bodhisattvas are central figures in Mahayana Buddhism. They embody the ideal of selfless compassion and seek to help all beings achieve enlightenment. Their teachings, stories, and images inspire practitioners to cultivate virtues and assist others on their spiritual paths. Through their example, Bodhisattvas offer a model for living a life dedicated to the well-being of all.
The term "Bodhisattva" comes from Sanskrit. It means "enlightenment being." In Mahayana Buddhism, Bodhisattvas take vows to assist all sentient beings. They aim to relieve suffering and guide others on the path to enlightenment. This vow is known as the Bodhisattva vow.
Bodhisattvas are often depicted in art and literature. They appear in various forms and hold different attributes. They may be shown with multiple arms, each holding a symbolic object. These objects represent their qualities and abilities. For example, some hold a lotus flower, symbolizing purity. Others hold a sword, representing wisdom that cuts through ignorance.
Bodhisattvas play a key role in Buddhist teachings. They serve as models of ideal behavior. Their stories inspire practitioners to cultivate compassion and wisdom. Many Buddhists pray to Bodhisattvas for guidance and support. They believe Bodhisattvas can intervene in their lives and help them overcome obstacles.
The path of a Bodhisattva involves several stages. These stages are called "bhumi" in Sanskrit. Each stage represents a level of spiritual development. As Bodhisattvas progress, they gain greater insight and abilities. They also face challenges that test their resolve and compassion.
Bodhisattvas practice the "Six Perfections" or "Paramitas." These are generosity, morality, patience, effort, concentration, and wisdom. By perfecting these qualities, they advance on their path. They also inspire others to develop these virtues.
Bodhisattvas are not limited to historical figures. Many Buddhists believe that anyone can become a Bodhisattva. This belief encourages practitioners to strive for enlightenment while helping others. It fosters a sense of community and shared purpose.
In Mahayana texts, Bodhisattvas often engage in dialogues with the Buddha. These dialogues explore deep philosophical concepts. They also offer practical advice for living a compassionate life. Through these teachings, Bodhisattvas provide guidance for both novice and experienced practitioners.
Bodhisattvas are also central to certain rituals and ceremonies. In some traditions, practitioners recite specific mantras dedicated to them. These mantras are believed to invoke the presence and blessings of Bodhisattvas. Such practices help deepen one's connection to these enlightened beings.
The influence of Bodhisattvas extends beyond Buddhism. Their qualities of compassion and selflessness resonate with people of various backgrounds. They serve as universal symbols of altruism and moral integrity.
In summary, Bodhisattvas are central figures in Mahayana Buddhism. They embody the ideal of selfless compassion and seek to help all beings achieve enlightenment. Their teachings, stories, and images inspire practitioners to cultivate virtues and assist others on their spiritual paths. Through their example, Bodhisattvas offer a model for living a life dedicated to the well-being of all.
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