In Mahāyāna and Vajrayāna Buddhism, bodhisattvas are beings who have generated bodhicitta—the compassionate aspiration to attain Buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings—and who actively engage in the world to relieve suffering. Over centuries, Buddhist traditions across regions have venerably recognized various bodhisattvas, each embodying a specific virtue or spiritual function. These figures appear prominently in scripture, ritual, art, and devotional practice. The following article provides an overview of the most widely revered bodhisattvas, summarizing their symbolic significance, traditional roles, and cultural expression.

Prominent Bodhisattvas

Avalokiteśvara

Often regarded as the embodiment of universal compassion, Avalokiteśvara is widely venerated across Mahāyāna traditions. Known by names such as Guānyīn in China and Kannon in Japan, Avalokiteśvara is said to hear the cries of beings and tirelessly act to aid them. Multiple manifestations are depicted in visual and textual traditions, including the thousand-armed and eleven-faced forms, symbolizing boundless capacity and responsiveness.

Mañjuśrī

Mañjuśrī represents transcendent wisdom (prajñā) in Buddhist cosmology. Often depicted wielding a flaming sword to cut through ignorance and holding a Prajñāpāramitā text, Mañjuśrī serves as a guide for practitioners cultivating insight. His iconography further suggests mastery over the untamed lion of mind.

Samantabhadra

Symbolizing practice and virtue, Samantabhadra appears prominently in the Avataṃsaka Sūtra and is associated with the Ten Great Vows. In East Asia, he is often paired with Mañjuśrī or Avalokiteśvara, emphasizing the unity of wisdom and ethical action.

Kṣitigarbha

Also known as Jizō in Japan, Kṣitigarbha is the bodhisattva dedicated to saving beings in hell realms and caring for the dead and unborn. His vow to postpone Buddhahood until all lower realms are emptied makes him a powerful figure of compassion and filial piety.

Maitreya

Regarded as the future Buddha, Maitreya presently resides in the heavenly realm of Tuṣita, awaiting the time to descend as Buddha. He embodies hope and future awakening, and is often venerated in both monastic and lay contexts across Asia.

Vajrapāṇi

Vajrapāṇi is the bodhisattva of spiritual power and protection. Often depicted holding a thunderbolt (vajra), he is understandingly the guardian of the Buddha and upholder of the Dharma. His iconography appears prominently in esoteric and ritual contexts.

Aṅgasagarbha / Ākāśagarbha

Ākāśagarbha, sometimes called Aṅgasagara, is associated with the boundless wisdom of space. Invoked for learning, creativity, and memory, he appears widely in Japanese (Kūzō Bodhisattva) and Tibetan traditions.

Bhaiṣajyarāja (Medicine King) and Bhaiṣajyasamudgata (Medicine Ocean)

Frequently mentioned together, these bodhisattvas appear in the Lotus Sutra and the Medicine Buddha Sutra. They symbolize healing—Bhaiṣajyarāja through supreme offering and sacrifice, and Bhaiṣajyasamudgata through vast remedying power.

Other Recognized Bodhisattvas

In addition to the principal figures above, Buddhist traditions venerate a wide array of local, scriptural, and esoteric bodhisattvas. These include:

• Ratnapāṇi, Padmapāṇi, and Vajraketu, each linked to specific ritual or meditative functions.
• Bodhisattvas corresponding to the Four Immeasurables, such as Maitreya with loving-kindness.
• Historical masters considered emanations of bodhisattvas, such as Nāgārjuna or Atisha.
• Cultural adaptations such as Guan Yu, a Chinese historical figure who was deified and absorbed into the bodhisattva pantheon.

Cultural and Ritual Significance

Bodhisattvas are central figures in devotional and liturgical practice across the Buddhist world. In Mahāyāna Buddhism, they are not merely archetypes but are believed to be active agents who respond to prayers and supplications. In East Asia, Guānyīn shrines are ubiquitous, and Jizō statues are often found by roadsides and cemeteries. In Tibetan Vajrayāna, bodhisattvas appear as central deities in sādhanā practices, visualization rituals, and empowerments. Mantras associated with bodhisattvas, such as Om Maṇi Padme Hum for Avalokiteśvara, are recited to generate merit and deepen spiritual connection.

Bibliography

Avataṃsaka Sūtra (Flower Garland Sūtra), compiled ca. 1st–3rd century CE.

Bhadracaripraṇidhāna (Ten Great Vows of Samantabhadra), section of the Avataṃsaka Sūtra.

Bodhisattvabhūmi, attributed to Asaṅga, ca. 4th century CE.

Jātaka Tales, Pāli Canon, Khuddaka Nikāya.

Lotus Sūtra (Saddharmapuṇḍarīka Sūtra), translated by Kumārajīva, 5th century CE.

Medicine Buddha Sūtra, Mahāyāna Buddhist scripture, compiled ca. 4th–7th century CE.

Buswell, Robert E., and Lopez, Donald S., eds. The Princeton Dictionary of Buddhism. Princeton University Press, 2014.

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https://lotusbuddhas.com/list-of-bodhisattvas-in-buddhism.html

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https://www.rigpawiki.org/index.php?title=List_of_bodhisattvas

StudyBuddhism.com. “Bodhisattva Introduction.” Accessed July 2025.
https://studybuddhism.com

Tibetan Buddhist Encyclopedia. “List of Bodhisattvas.” Accessed July 2025.
https://www.tibetanbuddhistencyclopedia.com/en/index.php/List_of_bodhisattvas

Wikipedia contributors. “List of Bodhisattvas.” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_bodhisattvas