Boy · Sanskrit (Bengali usage) · Hindu
Bodhisattva
बोधिसत्त्वSay it bo-dhee-SHOT-to
- Meaning today
- Being of enlightenment, one who has attained wisdom
- Original meaning
- "one whose essence is perfect knowledge; a Buddha-to-be" Monier-Williams, p. 734
- Say it
- bo-dhee-SHOT-to
- Written
- बोधिसत्त्व
- Other spellings
- Bodhisatva, Bodhisattwa, Bodhisatta
Bodhisattva
Stays on your phone. A family name is never required.
Bodhisattva meaning
Bodhisattva (बोधिसत्त्व) is a Hindu boy's name of Sanskrit origin (Bengali usage).
One whose essence is perfect knowledge; a Buddha-to-be
Also used to mean: being of enlightenment, one who has attained wisdom
Bodhisattva (बोधिसत्त्व) is Sanskrit bodhi-sattva, from bodhi, "enlightenment, perfect knowledge", and sattva, "being, essence". Monier-Williams explains it as "one whose essence is perfect knowledge": in Buddhism, a being on the path to Buddhahood, and also the Buddha himself before his awakening. Mahayana Buddhism describes bodhisattvas as delaying their own release in order to help all beings. As a given name it is used chiefly by educated Bengali families, who value its sense of wisdom and compassion. Bengali speakers often say it "Bodhishotto".
Source: Monier-Williams, Sanskrit–English Dictionary (1899), p. 734 · entry bodhi-sattva · See the entry · checked 25 Oct 2026
References: Monier-Williams, bodhi-sattva, p. 734 · Wikipedia, Bodhisattva
Spellings
Bodhisattva · Bodhisatva · Bodhisattwa · Bodhisatta