noun, noun, used as a suffix
Buddhist term for an enlightened being who delays nirvana to save others. Also used figuratively for a compassionate person.
観音菩薩は慈悲の象徴とされる。
Kannon Bodhisattva is considered a symbol of compassion.
彼はまるで菩薩のような心の持ち主だ。
He has a heart like a bodhisattva.
noun, noun, used as a suffix
High Monk (imperial title)
Historical title granted by the imperial court to eminent monks. Not a common modern usage.
その僧は朝廷から菩薩の号を賜った。
That monk was granted the title of Bosatsu by the imperial court.
noun, noun, used as a suffix
title for Shinto kami (manifestation theory)
In honji-suijaku thought, a title applied to Shinto deities as manifestations of Buddhist bodhisattvas. Specialized historical-religious term.
See also: 本地垂迹説
本地垂迹説では、神に菩薩の号が付されることがある。
In honji-suijaku theory, Shinto kami are sometimes given the title of bosatsu.
From Sanskrit bodhisattva via Chinese 菩薩 (púsà). The reading ぼさつ is the standard Japanese adaptation; ぼさち is an older, now obsolete form.