The Smiling Bodhisattva
A Bodhisattva is an ordinary person, who takes up a course in his life that moves in the direction of Buddha. Anyone who directs their attention and their life to practicing the way of life of a Buddha is considered a Bodhisattva. They are people who work for the enlightenment of all beings, not just themselves. They vow not to enter Nirvana, which is the highest goal in the path of Buddhism, until all beings enter Nirvana together.
Bodhisattvas largely embody the value of sacrifice and selflessness, when they deny Nirvana for the sake of other beings. The Bodhisattva’s smile represents the four sublime states of mind, which are: Metta (kindness and care), Karuna (compassion or mercy), Mudita (sympathetic joy) and Uppekha (equanimity or levelness). His smile also depicts his values of compassion, sacrifice, love, harmony and peace, implying that he has attained enlightenment where he is now contented and truly happy, and there is an end to all human greed, anguish and suffering for him. |
HOW DOES THIS SHOW THE PRESENCE OF INDIANISATION?
Buddhism spread through indianisation alongside Hinduism, and the Bodhisattvas are an iconic concept in Buddhism. In addition, at bayon, where the Bodhisattvas are found, the inner gallery behind the faces, contains carvings of Hindu gods and mythological creates, thus showing the presence of Hinduism. There are also many bodhisattva statues found around the region such as various at the Angkor Thom Bayon Temple in Cambodia, showing the impact and extent indianisation had on sea.