Significance of Three bodies
The concept of Three bodies varies across different spiritual traditions, including Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism, and Vedanta. In Hinduism, it refers to the gross, subtle, and causal bodies of the jiva, symbolizing different forms of existence. Tibetan Buddhism describes it through the Trikaya, including Dharmakaya, Sambhogakaya, and Nirmanakaya, which embody the nature of Buddhahood. Vedanta aligns with this by categorizing existence into sthula, sukshma, and karana deha, highlighting the layers of physical, mental, and causal aspects of being.
Synonyms: Three entities, Three objects, Three figures, Trio, Trinity, Triad, Triplet
In Dutch: Drie lichamen; In Finnish: Kolme ruumista; In Spanish: Tres cuerpos; In German: Drei Körper; In Malay: Tiga badan; In Swedish: Tre kroppar; In French: Trois corps; In Portugese: Três corpos; In Italian: Tre corpi; In Polish: Trzy ciała
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, encompass Dharmakaya (truth body), Sambhogakaya (bliss body), and Nirmanakaya (earthly body), reflecting different manifestations of Buddhahood and the nature of 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: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The three forms attributed to Ishvara: dharmakaya (body of the law), sambhogakaya (body of enjoyment), and nirmanakaya (apparitional body).[3]
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).[4]
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.[5]
From: The Six Yogas of Naropa
(1) They are aligned with the three Barrios and make together nine different groups and aligned with other arrangements make the system of fifteen groups.[6]
Hindu concept of 'Three bodies'
The "Three bodies" in Hinduism represents a framework encompassing the gross, subtle, and causal aspects of existence, illustrating how individual identities consist of various layers, including the physical form, mind, and spiritual essence.
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) The three bodies are referenced as something beyond which a Jivanmukta realizes they are, suggesting a transcendence of the physical, subtle, and causal bodies in the pursuit of liberation.[7] (2) Cessation of, through the destruction of Prarabdha, they attain the state of Plenum without any Upadhis.[8] (3) What one must rise above, to Brahman, after giving up the body as a sannyasin, like the analogy of the wasp and the worm, in order to have done all his work.[9] (4) The conceptual divisions of physical, subtle, and causal bodies that are seen as unreal in the context of true self.[10] (5) Refers to the gross, subtle, and causal aspects of existence in spiritual philosophy.[11]
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.[12] (2) Refers to the causal, subtle, and gross bodies that comprise the individual existence.[13]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad
(1) is what jiva gives up all attachment for when it becomes serene and reaches the Supreme Brahman.[14]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Refers to the gross body, subtle body, and causal body, which collectively represent the different forms of existence.[15] (2) The three different states of existence that govern both Ishvara and Jiva; causal, subtle, and gross.[16]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) The feature of Nikumbha, as granted by a boon, allowing him to be invulnerable to conventional attacks.[17]
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.[18] (2) Refers to the multiple forms assumed by Prajapati in his attempts to gather all creation back into himself.[19]
Jain concept of 'Three bodies'
In Jainism, "Three bodies" denotes the gross physical body, the transformable body, and the projectable body, which emanates from a saint, representing different forms of existence.
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) The three kinds of bodies are gross physical body, the transformable body, and the projectable body emanating from a saint.[20]
The concept of Three bodies in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Three bodies" relates to the three aspects of human existence—Sthula, Sukshma, and Karana bodies—highlighting how they embody Avidya, obstructing true self-awareness in the context of Vedanta philosophy.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) In Vedanta, refers to the physical, subtle, and causal bodies that comprise human existence.[21] (2) The Sthula, Sukshma, and Karana sariras that embody Avidya and obstruct perfect self-awareness.[22] (3) The three aspects of human existence - Sthula (gross), Sukshma (subtle), and Karana (causal) bodies, which are involved in Avidya.[23]
The concept of Three bodies in scientific sources
Three bodies, or trikaya, includes the rupakaya to align with Yogacara principles. This concept from regional sources encompasses different forms or manifestations.
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) Also known as trikaya, the reason for the inclusion of the r upakaya was to match the Yogacara concept.[24]