Inglorious Bodhisattvas

The Path from Ugra to Vimalakirti

Abstract

Most early Mahayana sutras glorify virya—vigor, or manliness —as the most desirable quality of a bodhisattva. But was this always the case? The purpose of this article is to argue that shifting notions of exemplar masculinity parallel the change from the early Mahayana, to mature developments of this Buddhist tradition. To prove my point, I will examine four influential early Mahayana sutras: the Ugrapariprcchi, the Astasahasrika, the Surangamasamadhisutra, and the Vimalakirtinirdesa, to argue that the bodhisattva-path discourse became gradually more assertive and authoritative. Buddha Sakyamuni’s image lost focus, while bodhisattvas’ attitude towards arhats evolved from respectful submission to open humiliation. By now the bodhisattva transformation was complete, an inglorious coup that marked the Mahayana take over.