n. Buddhism An enlightened being who, out of compassion, forgoes nirvana in order to save others. [Sanskrit bodhisattvaḥ, one whose essence is enlightenment : bodhiḥ, perfect knowledge; see bheudh- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots + sattvam, essence, being (from sat-, existing; see es- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots).] |
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