Meaning of "Bodhisattva" by Steely Dan

The lyrics of "Bodhisattva" by Steely Dan can be interpreted in different ways. On one level, the song could be about a spiritual journey or a quest for enlightenment. The repeated plea to the Bodhisattva to take them by the hand may symbolize a desire for guidance or assistance in navigating life's challenges and finding inner peace. The mention of selling the house could represent a willingness to let go of material possessions in pursuit of a higher purpose or spiritual fulfillment. Alternatively, the references to Japan and China could also be seen as metaphors for exotic and mysterious destinations that represent the unknown or the unattainable. Overall, the song conveys a sense of yearning, adventure, and the search for something beyond the ordinary.