The bodhisattva path is a central concept in Mahāyāna Buddhism, which is the Greater Vehicle of Buddhism that emphasizes compassion and the path of the bodhisattva. A bodhisattva is a being who has made a vow to attain enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings, and the bodhisattva path is the journey towards achieving this goal.

The term "bodhisattva" comes from the Sanskrit words "bodhi," meaning enlightenment, and "sattva," meaning being. Therefore, a bodhisattva is someone who is on the path towards enlightenment, not just for their own sake but for the sake of all beings. This is in contrast to the Theravada tradition, which focuses on individual liberation from suffering.

The bodhisattva path is based on the belief that all beings have the potential to become enlightened and that it is the responsibility of those who have already attained some level of enlightenment to guide and support others on their journey. This path is seen as the highest form of spiritual practice in Mahāyāna Buddhism, as it is motivated by the altruistic intention to help all beings achieve liberation from suffering.

The bodhisattva path is often described as having six perfections or practices: generosity, ethical conduct, patience, joyful effort, concentration, and wisdom. These practices are meant to cultivate qualities such as compassion, wisdom, and skillful means, which are necessary for a bodhisattva to effectively guide others towards enlightenment.

In addition to these practices, the bodhisattva path also involves the cultivation of the four immeasurables: loving-kindness, compassion, empathetic joy, and equanimity. These qualities are essential for a bodhisattva to develop a deep sense of compassion and connection with all beings, regardless of their differences.

One of the key teachings of the bodhisattva path is the concept of "emptiness," which is the understanding that all phenomena are empty of inherent existence. This means that all things are interdependent and constantly changing, and therefore, there is no fixed self or entity. This understanding helps a bodhisattva to develop compassion and wisdom, as they see that all beings are interconnected and equally deserving of love and compassion.

In summary, the bodhisattva path is a journey towards enlightenment that is motivated by the intention to help all beings attain liberation from suffering. It involves the cultivation of various qualities and practices, such as generosity, compassion, and wisdom, and is based on the understanding of emptiness and interdependence. This path is seen as the highest form of spiritual practice in Mahāyāna Buddhism, as it is focused on the well-being and liberation of all beings.