Chapter 20 - The Three Bodies of Buddha

Question 1

enumerate:

Three Bodies of the Buddha

Answer 1

1. Dharmakaya
2. Sambhogakaya
3. Nirmanakaya

Question 2

define:

Dharmakaya

2

Answer 2

• teaching body
• source of enlightenment and happiness

Question 3

define:

Sambhogakaya

Answer 3

• body of bliss or enjoyment
• result body

Question 4

Nirmanakaya

Answer 4

• historical embodiment of the Buddha

Question 5

How do the Three Bodies of the Buddha
relate to us?

3

Answer 5

• these are deep within us
• only a matter of discovery, if we allow ourselves to be struck by these beams of light to be transformed
• the Buddha depends on us to change others

Question 6

Non-action

Answer 6

• a presence is all that’s needed to help in some situations
  ex: calm person on small boat during a storm

Question 7

What preaches the Saddharmapundarika Sutra?

Answer 7

• each oak, pebble, flower, cloud etc

Question 8

Near the time of his death, the Buddha advised that his physical body will be gone tomorrow. What did he say will remain and what was the implication?

2

Answer 8

• his teaching body - Dharmakaya
• we should take refuge in ourselves and in the Dharma, to use as our lamp, our island

Question 9

What do we need to know how to do to relieve the suffering of others and bring them joy?

Answer 9

• how to cultivate the seeds of awakening within ourselves

Question 10

What’s the original meaning of Dharmakaya?

Answer 10

• the way to realise understanding and love

Question 11

What does the Buddha rely on for his Dharmakaya to continue?

Answer 11

• on us and on our practice

Question 12

Self-enjoyment

Answer 12

• whenever we touch something beautiful in harmony and in peace

Question 13

Enjoyment of Others of our Body of Bliss

Answer 13

• whenever our happiness and our peace radiate around us so others can enjoy it as well

Question 14

How can we make our Dharma a “living Dharma”?

Answer 14

• smiling and returning to our breathing,for example when we are challenged by others