In early Buddhism the bodhisattva is the Buddha before his awakening. In the Mahāyāna it becomes the ideal for all: one who arouses the mind of awakening, practises the perfections over countless lives, and postpones final rest to help others. Great bodhisattvas such as Avalokiteśvara and Mañjuśrī are objects of devotion.
Bodhisattva
A being bound for awakening: one who vows to attain buddhahood in order to free all beings.
Also: Bodhisattva