Ireland's OWN: Myths & Magic Bodhisattva A bodhisattva is an enlightened being who refuses to enter Nirvana until all other sentient beings are saved. The concept of eternal hell is at odds with Buddhist teachings. Buddhism embodies enduring love and compassion in Tsitigarbharaja, the bodhisattva who descends into hell in order to teach and rescue those suffering there. Kuan Yin, is a Chinese bodhisattva, who symbolises godly purity and wisdom. Buddhists see Kuan Yin as the female form of Avolokiteshvara, the thousand-armed bodhisattva who represents infinite compassion. Source: The Secret Language of Symbols by David Fontana. Chronicle Books, 1993. Page last updated 20 Jul 2008 Website Design and Myths & Magic logo by Míchealín Daugherty Copyright © 2008 Ireland's OWN All Rights Reserved.