In Mahayana Buddhism, bodhisattvas are called beings striving for supreme
cognition, who aspire to "Buddhahood" on the path of "virtuous perfection"
(Sanskrit paramita) or realize it in themselves in order to use it for the salvation
of all living beings.
This initial motivation is called "enlightenment spirit" (bodhicitta).Practitioners
of various traditions of Mahayana recite Bodhisattva vows, expressing their
desire to walk this path themselves.
At the heart of the Bodhisattva philosophy is the idea of not only gaining
enlightenment on its own and entering into Nirvana, but instead of helping
all other Beings to free themselves from the endless cycle of reincarnations
(samsara) as well.
