Trikaya

Trikaya (Three Bodies) is the Mahayana Buddhist doctrine of the three bodies of a Buddha: Dharmakaya, Sambhogakaya, and Nirmanakaya.

Overview

The trikaya doctrine explains how a Buddha exists simultaneously in multiple dimensions: the absolute truth body, the celestial enjoyment body, and the physical emanation body.

Philosophical Context

In Mahayana philosophy, the trikaya doctrine resolves the paradox of how an enlightened being can manifest in the world while remaining beyond all phenomena. Each body serves a specific function.

Interpretations

The Dharmakaya is the ultimate truth body, the Sambhogakaya is the celestial body that teaches bodhisattvas, and the Nirmanakaya is the physical manifestation in the world.

Verification Notes

• Three bodies of a Buddha
• Dharmakaya, Sambhogakaya, Nirmanakaya
• Central Mahayana doctrine