Adhyatmakaya, Adhyātmakāya, Adhyatma-kaya: 1 definition

Introduction:

Adhyatmakaya means something in Buddhism, Pali. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.

In Buddhism

Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)

[«previous next»] — Adhyatmakaya in Mahayana glossary
Source: Wisdom Library: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

Adhyātmakāya (अध्यात्मकाय) refers to “inner body”, according to the 2nd century Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra chapter XXXI.—One’s own body (svakāya) and the organs, eye, etc., are inner body (adhyātmakāya); one’s wife, son, wealth, fields, house and other utilized objects are outer body (bahirdhākāya). How is that? Since material dharmas (rūpadharma) are all [objects] of mindfulness of the body (kāyasmṛtyupasthāna). First the Yogin examines the inner body (adhyātmakāya) to find out if he can find a pure, eternal and happy Ātman there, but he examines thoroughly and can find no Ātman, as has been said above in regard to the examination of dharmas.

Mahayana book cover
context information

Mahayana (महायान, mahāyāna) is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sūtras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajñāpāramitā sūtras.

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