The Trikaya doctrine

Question 1

what is the basic concept of the trikaya doctrine

Answer 1

That there are three different bodies of the buddha

Question 1

What are the three different bodies called

Answer 1

Nirmana-kaya - this is the physical body of the buddha
Dharma-kaya - This is the enlightened mind itself
Sambhoga-kaya - heavenly body linked with selfless, pure, spiritual enjoyment

Question 2

what is meant by the word kaya

Answer 2

body

Question 3

describe the Nirmana-kaya

Answer 3

This is the manifestation body, used to describe the physical body of the Buddha. This consept is based upon the idea that the Buddha has the ability to transform into any physcial body through a ‘mind-made body’. The Budddha may choose to transform into a body in order to teach suffering people about Buddhisum.

Question 4

Describe the Dharma-kaya

Answer 4

This refers to the enlightened mind itself. This ulimate unmanifested body that cannot be described by words-Nirvana. The origins of this body can be traced back to a buddhists referning to the buddha tathagata. This means ‘one who has become dharma.’

Question 5

describe sambhoga-kaya

Answer 5

This is the body or realm in which enlightedbeings choose to dwel. In this realm the Buddhas are acessable to suffering beings who are stuck in samsara. So mahayana Buddhists may pray to beings in this realm.