Message from hlien

[Anonymous]

I was fascinate at the notion that those who practice different faiths can still reach Nirvana and become a Buddha.
But I am still unclear about many concepts, one of which is the differences between a Bodhisattva and a Buddha. According the definition I found online, "a Bodhisattva is a person who is able to reach nirvana but delays doing so out of compassion in order to save suffering beings." In that light, Mother Teresa can be seen as a Bohisattva. Is a Bohisattva then equivalent to a Saint in Western term? Could Mother Teresa be one of the manifestions of Guanyin? Moreover, does she then becomes a Buddha with her passing?
Another related question I have is regard to the possibilities of multiple Buddhas. If there are many of them, are they all equal, or is there a hierachy as to which Buddha is more enlightened? In other words, when Dalai Lama and Mother Teresa meets Guatama in Heaven, do they all sit on a round table and chat or would the late comers bow to the latter similar to the hierarchy depicted in Caodai?
I guess the only way I can find the answers is to get there myself, which in theory is possible but not probable - at least not in this lifetime for me. If anyone gets there first and finds the answers, please let me know.
edited by hlien on 7/28/2016