Significance of Three bodies
The concept of Three bodies is significant across various philosophies, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Vedanta. In Hinduism, it represents forms of creation and existence, such as Prajapati's multiple embodiments and the causal, subtle, and gross bodies. Tibetan Buddhism refers to it as Trikaya, highlighting the three natures of a Buddha: Body of Emanation, Body of Joy, and Truth Body. In Mahayana Buddhism, it pertains to the Dharmakaya, Sambhogakaya, and Nirmanakaya, illustrating the manifestation and principles of enlightenment.
Synonyms: Three entities, Three objects, Trinity, Triad, Triplet
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Three bodies'
The Three Bodies in Buddhism, known as Trikaya, consist of Dharmakaya (truth body), Sambhogakaya (enjoyment body), and Nirmanakaya (emanation body), illustrating different aspects and manifestations of Buddhahood and enlightenment.
From: The 6th Patriarch Platform Sutra
(1) The Dharmakaya, Sambhogakaya, and Nirmanakaya, which represent the different manifestations of Buddhahood.[1] (2) Refers to the Dharmakaya, Sambhogakaya, and Nirmanakaya, representing the nature and manifestation of enlightenment.[2]
From: Karandavyuha Sutra
(1) The three principles outlined in Buddhism: Dharmakaya, Sambhogakaya, and Nirmanakaya, representing the universal and physical aspects of Buddhahood.[3]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The three forms attributed to Ishvara: dharmakaya (body of the law), sambhogakaya (body of enjoyment), and nirmanakaya (apparitional body).[4]
From: The gods of northern Buddhism
(1) Tri-kaya, representing the threefold embodiment of a Buddha: Nirmana-kaya (earthly), Sambhoga-kaya (bliss body), and Dharma-kaya (truth body).[5]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) Refers to the Trikaya, or the three natures of a Buddha: the Body of Emanation, the Body of Joy, and the Truth Body, all of which embody the hidden nature in the context of Guhyasamaja.[6]
Hindu concept of 'Three bodies'
In Hinduism, "Three Bodies" refers to the physical, subtle, and causal layers of existence, highlighting the individual’s complexity through gross (sthula), subtle (sukshma), and causal (karana) forms, integral to understanding identity and spirituality.
From: Prasthanatrayi Swaminarayan Bhashyam (Study)
(1) The gross, subtle, and causal forms that the atman is said to be separate from, according to Svaminarayana’s teachings.[7] (2) A concept stating that both jivas and ishvaras possess multiple bodies as fragments of the world's creation.[8] (3) The physical, subtle, and causal bodies that the jiva inhabits, which are perishable and subjected to the laws of maya.[9] (4) The three forms or manifestations (virata, sutratman, and avyakrta) associated with the ishvara.[10] (5) The categorization of human existence into gross (sthula), subtle (sukshma), and causal (Limp) forms.[11]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) The conceptual divisions of physical, subtle, and causal bodies that are seen as unreal in the context of true self.[12] (2) Refers to the gross, subtle, and causal aspects of existence in spiritual philosophy.[13] (3) Refers to the gross, subtle, and causal bodies that encompass the complete existence of an individual.[14] (4) The concept referring to the physical, mental, and causal bodies in the context of existence and individuality.[15] (5) The concept that encompasses the physical, subtle, and causal aspects of existence.[16]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) Indicates the layers of existence comprising the gross body, subtle body (mind), and causal body, suggesting a complex structure of human identity.[17] (2) Refers to the causal, subtle, and gross bodies that comprise the individual existence.[18]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Refers to the gross body, subtle body, and causal body, which collectively represent the different forms of existence.[19] (2) The three different states of existence that govern both Ishvara and Jiva; causal, subtle, and gross.[20]
From: Brahmanda Purana
(1) Different manifestations of the self-born lord, embodying creation, preservation, and destruction.[21]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) The feature of Nikumbha, as granted by a boon, allowing him to be invulnerable to conventional attacks.[22]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) The three forms of Agni laid down in the worlds: 'blowing' on earth, 'purifying' in the ether, and 'bright' in the sky.[23] (2) Refers to the multiple forms assumed by Prajapati in his attempts to gather all creation back into himself.[24]