A bodhisattva is a person who has reached a high level of spiritual maturity and has realized that his or her awakening depends upon the awakening of others. Seeing the suffering of others, a bodhisattva works to assist them to free themselves from suffering and then attain awakening. This intention is expressed in the “Four Bodhisattva Vows.” These vows are a part of the Nichiren Shu daily practice.

Sentient beings are innumerable.
I vow to save them all.

Our defilements are inexhaustible.
I vow to quench them all.

The Buddha’s teachings are immeasurable.
I vow to know them all.

The Way of the Buddha is unexcelled.
I vow to attain the Path Sublime.