noun
bodhi; enlightenment
Buddhist term for the ultimate wisdom or awakening that ends suffering. Often used in compounds like 菩提を求める (seek enlightenment) or 菩提心 (bodhicitta).
彼は菩提を求めて修行に励んだ。
He devoted himself to practice in pursuit of enlightenment.
noun
happiness in the next world; bliss after death
In a more popular Buddhist context, refers to the peace or happiness attained after death, often associated with memorial services and prayers for the deceased. Common in phrases like 菩提を弔う (pray for the repose of a soul).
先祖の菩提を弔うために寺へ行った。
I went to the temple to pray for the repose of my ancestors' souls.
悟り is a more general Japanese term for spiritual awakening or understanding, used both inside and outside Buddhism, while 菩提 specifically refers to the Buddhist concept of bodhi/enlightenment.
涅槃 (nirvana) is the state of liberation from suffering and the cycle of rebirth, often seen as the result of attaining 菩提 (enlightenment).
From Sanskrit bodhi, meaning awakening or enlightenment, via Chinese 菩提 (pútí).