The term bodhisattva refers to a sentient being who seeks bodhi. It is a term that can be found in early Buddhist scriptures. There was also the notion that Śākyamuni appeared as the seventh of seven buddhas, after Vipaśyin, Śikhin, Viśvabhū, Krakucchanda, Kanakamuni, and Kāśyapa, and that there is a buddha in each buddha-land in the ten directions. This notion later developed into a view that multitudes of buddhas exist.

Along with this new view of Śākyamuni, various bodhisattvas who perform a variety of roles appeared in Mahāyāna Buddhism. They were significant as individuals who carried out practices for the benefit of others — one of Mahāyāna Buddhism’s distinguishing characteristics — rather than seeking enlightenment for themselves. In three vehicle thought, they were established as beings who reject the practices of śrāvakas and pratyekabuddhas of engaging in practices for self-improvement. Avalokiteśvara was characterized as a bodhisattva who saves sentient beings. Mañjuśrī a bodhisattva symbolizing wisdom. Maitreya is a future savior bodhisattva.

Bhaiśājyaguruvaiḍūryaprabhā is a remover of sentient beings’ illnesses. Kṣitigarbha is a bodhisattva who takes on the suffering of believers in the latter age of the Dharma. The bodhisattva ideal exerted a significant influence on sculptures and other Buddhist art.