The Most Popular Bodhisattva, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the Bodhisattva you think is the most popular!
Updated on Apr 26, 2024 07:17
In the journey through spiritual understanding and enlightenment, the teachings and ideals of various Bodhisattvas offer invaluable guidance to countless individuals. These revered figures stand as exemplars of compassion and wisdom, drawing followers who seek to cultivate these qualities within themselves.
By casting your vote in this engaging list, you contribute to a collective reflection on which Bodhisattvas resonate most deeply with contemporary seekers. This shared engagement not only celebrates their impactful teachings but also enables a communal exploration of spiritual depth and influence.
Who Is the Most Popular Bodhisattva?
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147votesAvalokitesvara is also known as Guanyin in China and Kannon in Japan, is the most popular Bodhisattva in Mahayana Buddhism. Avalokitesvara is regarded as the Bodhisattva of compassion and mercy.
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248votesManjusri is the Bodhisattva of wisdom and is widely revered in Mahayana Buddhism.
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311votesSamantabhadra is the Bodhisattva of universal virtue and is regarded as a protector and guide for practitioners of the Buddha dharma.
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420votesKsitigarbha is the Bodhisattva of the earth and is revered in East Asian Buddhism as a protector of children and travelers.
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517votesMaitreya is the Bodhisattva of loving-kindness and is revered in Mahayana Buddhism as the future Buddha who will appear on earth to teach the dharma.
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613votesAkasagarbha is the Bodhisattva of space and is revered in East Asian Buddhism as a protector of practitioners and a guide to enlightenment.
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76votesMahasthamaprapta is the Bodhisattva of power and is revered in Mahayana Buddhism as a protector and guide to those seeking liberation.
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813votesVajrapani is the Bodhisattva of power and is revered in Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism as a protector and guide for practitioners.
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96votesTara is the female Bodhisattva of compassion and is revered in Tibetan Buddhism as a protector and guide for practitioners.
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105votesSamyaksambuddha is the Bodhisattva of perfect enlightenment and is revered in Mahayana Buddhism as the ultimate goal of practice.
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Discussion
Ranking factors for popular Bodhisattva
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Recognition and venerationThe level of recognition and veneration a Bodhisattva receives from Buddhists worldwide is essential. This can be measured by assessing the number of temples, statues, and other religious artifacts dedicated to the Bodhisattva, as well as the popularity of related festivals and rituals.
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Cultural and regional significanceSome Bodhisattvas may be more popular and widely celebrated in specific cultures or regions. For example, Avalokiteshvara (Guanyin) is immensely popular in East Asian countries like China, Japan, and Korea. Considering the cultural and regional significance helps provide a comprehensive understanding of popularity.
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Historical significanceThe historical significance of a Bodhisattva can also affect their popularity. Some Bodhisattvas, like Manjushri or Ksitigarbha, have deep roots in Buddhist history and have played crucial roles in the development and spread of Buddhist teachings.
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Iconography and symbolismThe visual representations and symbols associated with a Bodhisattva can impact their popularity. Bodhisattvas with striking or easily recognizable features, such as the Thousand-Armed Avalokiteshvara or Tara, may be more widely known and appreciated.
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Teachings and qualitiesThe teachings and qualities exemplified by a Bodhisattva also contribute to their popularity. Bodhisattvas known for compassion, wisdom, or specific attributes may resonate strongly with practitioners seeking guidance and inspiration.
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
- 1902 views
- 187 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.
More information on most popular bodhisattva
Bodhisattvas are revered figures in Buddhism who have taken a vow to attain enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings. These enlightened beings are believed to possess immense compassion and wisdom, and are often depicted in Buddhist art and literature as compassionate saviors who aid those in need. The concept of Bodhisattva has its roots in Mahayana Buddhism, which emphasizes the importance of compassion and altruism in spiritual practice. Over the centuries, many Bodhisattvas have emerged in Buddhist tradition, each with their own unique qualities and attributes. In this poll, we seek to identify the most popular Bodhisattva among our users, and explore the reasons behind their popularity.
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