In what way was Siddhartha Gautama an example of bodhisattva
Siddhartha Gautama, who later became known as Gautama Buddha, was considered an example of a bodhisattva in several ways:
1. Renunciation of worldly desires: Siddhartha Gautama renounced his luxurious royal lifestyle and material possessions in order to seek enlightenment and understand the nature of suffering. This act of renunciation symbolizes the bodhisattva's commitment to letting go of worldly attachments and pursuing spiritual development.
2. Compassion for all beings: Gautama Buddha's teachings emphasized compassion as a central virtue. He taught that all beings are interconnected and that one should strive to alleviate the suffering of others. This compassion is a characteristic of a bodhisattva, who aims to relieve the suffering of all sentient beings.
3. Teaching and guiding others towards enlightenment: After attaining enlightenment, Siddhartha Gautama dedicated his life to disseminating his teachings and helping others on their path to awakening. This act of guiding and teaching is one of the primary roles of a bodhisattva, who seeks to lead others to liberation and enlightenment.
4. Vow to achieve Buddhahood for the benefit of all: Before his birth as Siddhartha Gautama, it is believed that he made a vow to attain Buddhahood and guide all beings to enlightenment. This vow demonstrates his dedication to the bodhisattva path, where one willingly delays their own liberation to assist others in their spiritual development.
Overall, Siddhartha Gautama's life and teachings encompassed the qualities and actions that are associated with a bodhisattva, making him an exemplary example of one.