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.
