A person on the outer path is called a bodhisattva, which means "enlightened being." The path itself is usually referred to as the Mahayana, which means "great vehicle.".....
A bodhisattva has already achieved Nirvana, although he may not have fully stabilized it. Nevertheless, he abandons the peace of Nirvana "in order to save all sentient beings." This is universally seen as an heroic act of self-sacrifice. It is the transition from the inner path, which is felt as narrow and treacherous, to the outer path, which is felt as broad and easy. Well, it is easy from the point of view of the bodhisattva. It certainly does not look easy from the point of view of samsara.