Bodhisattvas are beings who aspire to become fully awakened like the Buddha and are dedicated to helping others on the path to enlightenment. They are portrayed adorned with crowns, jeweled ornaments, and garments of ancient Indian royalty. The greatest of the bodhisattvas are near enlightenment and are regarded as deities with abilities practically equal to those of buddhas. They can be identified by distinctive attributes that symbolize their particular qualities, such as the book and sword—representations of wisdom.
Many bodhisattvas are understood as deities with enormous powers who delay their final enlightenment, remaining in this world to help suffering beings. Among such great bodhisattvas are Manjushri, Vajrapani, Maitreya, and Avalokiteshvara, who is considered to be the embodiment of compassion.
