Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, 8th century, Metropolitan Museum of Art

A bodhisattva is a person who has attained enlightenment or awakening in Buddhism, but chooses to remain in the cycle of rebirth to help others achieve liberation. They are motivated by compassion and seek to alleviate the suffering of all sentient beings. The concept of the bodhisattva is central to Mahayana Buddhism, and many bodhisattvas are revered as deities or inspirational figures. Well-known bodhisattvas include Avalokiteshvara, Manjushri and Kuan Yin.