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Q-21: Bhante, what is English translation of the Pali word Bodhi-satta? My friend told me it means “future Buddha” in English. I understand the meaning of his translation. But I know “satta” means “being” and Bodhi and Buddha may have same meaning. And do you have other Pali words which are synonym for Bodhi-satta?

Thank you.

Young Zheng

 A-21: Very often the Pali word is translated as “future Buddha” and “Buddha-to-be.”

As you know it is a combination of two words: bodhi and satta where the former means “wisdom” and latter means “being or living thing.” Thus the whole word should literally be translated as “wisdom being,” “being of wisdom,” “wise being,” “bodhi being,” “buddha being” etc.

However the direct translation of the Pali word “satta,” “being” is never applied when the Pali word bodhi-satta is translated into English. The reason may be that it is impolite to call the future Buddha or the Buddha-to-be as “being.”

Here are some Pali words which are synonymous with bodhi-satta and their meanings in English. The Pali texts in brackets are where the Pali words are found.

1.   Bujjhanasatta = Being who knows; Being who will attain the enlightenment

2.   Panditasatta = Being who is wise

      (Mahapadana-sutta-vannana, Mahavagga Atthakatha, Digha Nikaya)

3.   Mahapurisa = Great man

4.   Sumedhapandita = One who is with excellent wisdom; one who will attain the excellent wisdom.

      (Brahmaja-sutta-vannana, Silakkhandha-abhinava-tika, Digha Nikaya)

5.   Buddhankura => Buddha + Ankura = Buddha + shoot; sprout bud of Buddha

     (Sariputtatthera-vatthu, Yamakavaggo, Dhammapada Atthakatha, Khuddaka   Nikaya)

6.   Buddhabija = Buddha seed

      (Sumedhakatha, Ekanipata, Jataka Atthakatha, Khuddaka Nikaya) 

With Metta,

Ashin Acara

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Dhamma Questions are answered by Bhante U Cittara, resident monk of Mangala Vihara, and his assistant monks. Questions and comments on given answers are welcome. Send your questions and comments to resident_monk@mangalavihara.org.sg.