The Characteristics of Bodhisattva from the Scriptures of Buddha s Story of Subduing Mara : A Comparative Study between Theravada and Mahayana Beliefs

Abstract

This article aims to compare characteristics of Bodhisattva from the scriptures of Buddha’s Story of “Subduing Mara” with Theravada’s Jina Mahanidana and Mahayana’s Lalitavistara. The results show that Bodhisattva’s characteristics can be catagorised into two characteristics: Firstly, the same characteristics of Bodhisattava between Jina Mahanidana and Lalitavistara beliefs are properties of Bodhisattva, concepts of Bodhisattva, and roles of Bodhisattva which is divided into two roles i.e. the roles of Paramita (meritorious act) and subduing Mara. However, the characteristics of Bodhisattva in Theravada were built like a human who uses wisdom to solve problems, whereas Mahayana Bodhisattvas were built as a superhuman. The other thing is the Bodhisattva’s characteristics that are only found in Mahayana’s Lalitavistara, consisting of  Bodhisattvanubhava, Bodhisattvavarakaya, and Bodhisattvakiriya. These were built to spread the faith among Mahayana’s laymen. Building such the characteristics is related to Mahayana belief, showing that Bodhisattva has a supreme status, magical power, and ultimate mercy to help all the living from their sufferings.