bodhisattvas--who are persons who have reached the point of Enlightenment, but turn back and take a vow to use their Enlightenment- compassion, wisdom, and power to help release others from their suffering. Mahayana canon says that finally there is no distinction between "self" and "other," nor between samsara (transmigration or the cycle of birth, death, rebirth through many lives and many bodies) and Nirvana! Because of this the bodhisattva is capable of taking on the suffering of others in samsara and of transferring his own merit to them.Although Buddhism became virtually extinct in India (ca. 12th century C.E.)--perhaps because of the all-embracing nature of Hinduism, Muslim invasions, or too great a stress on the monk's way of life--as a religion it has more than proved its viability and practical spirituality in the countries of Asia to which it has been carried. The many forms and practices that have been developed within the Buddhist fold have also allowed many different types of people to satisfy their spiritual needs through this great religion....
