Grammatical Analysis
Bodhisatta: [m.] A Buddha-to-be; One destined for Awakening. Formed by bodhi (awakening, supreme knowledge) + satta (being, attached to, destined for). (Sanskrit: Bodhisattva).
Orthodox Definition
In orthodox Theravāda, the term Bodhisatta has a highly specific, restricted usage. It refers exclusively to a being who has made a formal, unshakeable resolution (abhinīhāra) to become a Sammā-sambuddha in the future, and who has received a definitive prediction (viyākaraṇa) from a living Buddha that their goal will succeed.
Once this prediction is received, the being is considered a “Confirmed Bodhisatta” (Niyata Bodhisatta). From that moment on, they spend countless lifetimes fulfilling the Ten Perfections (Pāramī) to the absolute highest degree. The term is heavily used in the suttas when the Buddha describes his own unawakened past (e.g., “Monks, before my enlightenment, while I was still an unawakened Bodhisatta…”).
The Theravāda tradition recognizes the immense compassion of the Bodhisatta, but strictly maintains that the primary goal for all beings is Arahatship (following the current Buddha’s path), not the Bodhisatta path, which is reserved for an exceedingly rare few.
Textual References
- Canonical: Buddhavaṃsa – The foundational text detailing the ascetic Sumedha’s vow before Buddha Dīpaṅkara, establishing the Theravāda Bodhisatta paradigm.
- Canonical: Jātaka – The 547 past-life stories of Gotama Buddha demonstrating his progressive perfection of virtues.