Significance of Three kayas
The Three kayas in Buddhism refers to the three manifestations of a Buddha: dharmakaya, sambhogakaya, and nirmanakaya. These concepts signify different aspects of enlightenment, encompassing the ultimate truth body, the enjoyment body, and the physical embodiment of Buddha's teachings. Presented within both Tibetan and Mahayana traditions, the Three kayas illustrate the enlightened teacher's trifold nature and the essence of buddhas, emphasizing personal wisdom that transcends perception and thought.
Synonyms: Three bodies, Three aspects, Three forms
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 kayas'
The Three Kayas in Buddhism signify the three bodies of a Buddha: dharmakaya (ultimate truth), sambhogakaya (enjoyment), and nirmanakaya (manifestation), each illustrating various aspects of enlightenment and personal wisdom beyond perception.
From: The Great Chariot
(1) Refers to the three bodies of a Buddha: dharmakaya, sambhogakaya, and nirmanakaya.[1] (2) The three bodies of a Buddha, namely dharmakaya (truth body), sambhogakaya (enjoyment body), and nirmanakaya (emanation body).[2] (3) The trifold nature of the enlightened teacher, representing the body of truth, enjoyment, and transformation.[3] (4) An explanation of the essence of buddhas through three manifestations: the ultimate truth, enjoyment of enlightenment, and the physical embodiment of Buddha’s teachings.[4] (5) The three kayas represent the aspects of existence that are never found among external objects, embodying individual and personal wisdom without being bound to perception or thought.[5]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) The three bodies of the Buddha: the dharmakaya (ultimate truth body), the sambhogakaya (enjoyment body), and the nirmanakaya (manifestation body), each reflecting different aspects of Buddha-hood.[6] (2) The three bodies of a buddha: the nirmanakaya, the sambhogakaya, and the dharmakaya, representing different modes of manifestation.[7]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) The concept in Tibetan Buddhism that describes the three body manifestations of a Buddha.[8]