What is the fundamental difference between Bodhisattvas and earlier practitioners in Buddhism?

Bodhisattvas focus on helping others, while earlier practitioners aim to attain personal enlightenment.

As the first century CE unfolded, glimpses of transformation in Buddhist concepts and rituals became evident. In the earlier phases, profound significance was attached to individual effort in attaining nibbana. The Buddha was perceived as a human who achieved enlightenment and nibbana through his personal endeavors. Yet, a gradual shift towards the notion of a savior materialized. This transition introduced the belief that the Buddha was the ultimate source of salvation.

Concurrently, the concept of the Bodhisatta emerged. These compassionate beings amassed merits through their actions, utilizing these merits not to attain personal nibbana and detach from the world, but to assist others on their spiritual journey. Consequently, the veneration of Buddha and Bodhisattva images gained prominence within this paradigm.