<p><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vajrasattva" rel="nofollow">Vajrasattva</a> is a specific bodhisattva, not another word for "bodhisattva." In esoteric traditions Vajrasattva is invoked as a counter measure to unwholesome actions. Esoteric traditions, and Tibetan traditions in particular, have elaborate explanations for the mechanics of karma+vipaka, and Vajrasattva is used as one of the <a href="http://www.rigpawiki.org/index.php?title=Four_powers" rel="nofollow">opponent powers</a> of confessing misdeeds. The general idea is that strong enough opposition to harmful deeds performed can circumvent the ripening of "bad karma" and prevent the formation of harmful habits and lower rebirths.</p>

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2014-06-28T18:56:30.367Z
2014-06-28T18:56:30.367Z
DespreTine
<p>I recently heard the term Vajrasattva and wondered if that is another term for a Bodhisattva?  How does the Vajrasattva path differ from the path of a Bodhisattva? </p>

<vajrayana><bodhisattva>
What is a Vajrasattva?
# What is a Vajrasattva?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2014-06-28)

I recently heard the term Vajrasattva and wondered if that is another term for a Bodhisattva? How does the Vajrasattva path differ from the path of a Bodhisattva?

**Tags:** vajrayana, bodhisattva


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## 1 answers

### Answer by username_1 on 2014-06-28. Score: 3 | Accepted answer

[Vajrasattva](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vajrasattva) is a specific bodhisattva, not another word for "bodhisattva." In esoteric traditions Vajrasattva is invoked as a counter measure to unwholesome actions. Esoteric traditions, and Tibetan traditions in particular, have elaborate explanations for the mechanics of karma+vipaka, and Vajrasattva is used as one of the [opponent powers](http://www.rigpawiki.org/index.php?title=Four_powers) of confessing misdeeds. The general idea is that strong enough opposition to harmful deeds performed can circumvent the ripening of "bad karma" and prevent the formation of harmful habits and lower rebirths.


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