Religious Studies GCSE
Bodhisattva
What Bodhisattva means in Religious Studies GCSE, as defined for AQA.
Definitions of Bodhisattva
Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Bodhisattva in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: AQA
The Mahayana ideal of an enlightened being who chooses to remain in the cycle of samsara out of supreme compassion (karuna) to help all other sentient beings achieve liberation.
An enlightened being who chooses to remain in the cycle of samsara out of compassion to help others achieve enlightenment.
An 'enlightenment being' who delays their own final Nirvana out of compassion to help save all sentient beings.
Topics that use Bodhisattva
- Catholic Christianity - 3.1.3.1 Beliefs and teachings (AQA GCSE)
- Islam - 3.1.5.2 Practices (AQA GCSE)
- Key Beliefs (AQA GCSE)
Related terms
Using Bodhisattva in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
Practise Religious Studies questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
Start free
All Religious Studies GCSE termsA week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge