The Bodhisattva Doctrine in Buddhist Sanskrit Literature c5.s2.2

c5.s2.2

(1) *Sattva* may mean “Wesen, Charakter”; “essence, nature, true essence” (Skt. Dicy. Pbg. & Skt. Dicy. M.W.). The Pāli word *satta* may also mean “substance” (Pāli Dicy. s.v.). The great modern lexicographers seem to interpret *sattva* in this sense. Thus, according to Böhtlingk and Roth, *bodhisattva* means: “(adj.) dessen Wesen Erkenntniss ist; (mas.) der im Besitz des Wesens der Bodhi Seiende.” Monier Williams translates : “one who has *bodhi* or perfect wisdom as his essence” (p. 688b). E. Burnouf seems to interpret the word in the same way as Böhtlingk and Roth : “celui qui possède l’essence de la *bodhi*.” 8 P. Oltramare follows Monier Williams and translates : “un être dont l’essence consiste dans l’éveil”. (“Bouddhique,” p. 250). C. F. Koeppen : “Derjenige, dessen Wesenheit die höchste Weisheit (*bodhi*) geworden” (“Buddha”, ii, 18).