Published Paper Details:

This study examines the development and transformation of the bodhisattva concept through comparative analysis of canonical P?li texts and early Mah?y?na literature. Drawing upon philological evidence from the J?taka tales, Buddhava?sa, and foundational Mah?y?na s?tras including the Lotus S?tra and Perfection of Wisdom literature, this research traces the evolution from the historical Buddha's pre-enlightenment journey to the fully developed bodhisattva doctrine. The investigation employs textual criticism and doctrinal comparison to demonstrate how the bodhisattva ideal underwent significant conceptual expansion, shifting from describing the Buddha's past lives to establishing a universal path of compassionate awakening. Findings reveal that while the P?li tradition presents the bodhisattva path as exceptional and primarily retrospective, early Mah?y?na sources reconceptualize it as the supreme spiritual ideal accessible to all practitioners. This transformation reflects broader soteriological developments within Buddhist thought, particularly regarding the tension between individual liberation and universal salvation. The study contributes to understanding how fundamental Buddhist concepts evolved across different textual traditions and geographical contexts.