Ultimate Reality (Part 2) Flashcards
What is the Trikaya doctrine?
The Mahayana belief that the Buddha has three “bodies”, or is embodied in three different ways
What are the three kayas (bodies) of Trikaya?
Dharmakaya (Body of Truth)
Nirmanakaya (Body of Transformation)
Sambhogakaya (Body of Joy)
What are the main features of Dharmakaya?
Ultimate reality; pure being itself. Buddhanature - a state of pure enlightenment which all beings possess within themselves.
What are the main features of Sambhogakaya?
Enjoyment or bliss; associated with the divine Buddhas of the Pure Lands, especially Amitabha.
What are the main features of Nirmanakaya?
Transformation body; the physical manifestation in the world, a form of Upaya, associated with Siddhartha Gautama
What is the Theravada belief about the Trikaya?
They reject the Trikaya teachings as a corruption of the Dharma
What is the literal meaning of Nirvana?
“blowing out”
What did Buddha say about Nirvana?
Very little; he refused to say what occurred at enlightenment except that it was beyond word and without boundaries
Complete the quote from the Buddha: “There is no measure to him that has gone to rest, he…”
“…keeps nothing that could be named.”
What does Nagasena compare Nirvana to in the Questions of King Milinda?
Lotus Flower; water; medicine; space; the wishing jewel; a mountain peak; red sandalwood; ghee
What are the strengths of Nagasena’s description of Nirvana in scripture?
It uses Upaya to reach its audience and can be adapted for a new audience; it identifies some key features of Nirvana which can be compared to things we understand; it makes Nirvana look appealing and therefore motivates us to aim for it
What are the weaknesses of Nagasena’s description of Nirvana in scripture?
Its use of Upaya means that it does not entirely make sense to people outside of King Milinda’s social context; it risks misleading us about Nirvana if we take it too literally; it makes Nirvana too appealing and therefore creates craving
