Illustration:  Buddha teaching the bodhisattvas, green Samantabhadra, blue Vajrapani, yellow Maitreya, yellow Manjusri, and white Avalokitesvara.  On the right is a wrathful Jambhala holding a mongoose with two birds above.

The definition of a bodhisattva encompasses a detachment from the hindrances, poisons, and likely bad company; wrong views and ignorance as well as a controlling passion.  The bodhisattva is protected by the armour of the Mahayana so is never timid.

Subhuti, a ‘bodhi-sattva’ (enlightenment being), a great being, is called that because his purpose is enlightenment.

The Perfection of Wisdom by R.C. Jamieson (pg. 16)

Illustration: Green Tara making a gesture of giving, holding a lotus.  The historical Buddha is seated on the left at Visali with a begging bowl filled with honey given to him by the monkeys.

The welfare of others is much more relevant to the perfection of wisdom than self-examination.  The perfection of wisdom cannot be apprehended through the senses.  It cannot be revealed by the analysis of the components of the illusory self.  This is why a bodhisattva teaches, helping others towards enlightenment.  A bodhisattva’s compassion is practiced and developed primarily by giving.  Giving the teachings, explaining the inconceivable, is of central importance.

The Perfection of Wisdom by R.C. Jamieson (p. 53)