Dharmakaya, aka: Dharma-kaya, Dharmakāya; 5 Definition(s)
Introduction
Dharmakaya means something in Buddhism, Pali, Hinduism, Sanskrit. 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
(Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism)
The four aspects of the Dharmakāya are part of the Sixteen Aspects (ṣoḍaśākārā) of Gnosis (jñāna) in terms of ultimate reality.
- the Dharma-body (dharma-kāya)
- the Dharma-mind (dharma-citta)
- the Dharma-speech (dharma-vāc)
- the Dharma-gnosis (dharma-jñāna)
Tibetan Buddhism includes schools such as Nyingma, Kadampa, Kagyu and Gelug. Their primary canon of literature is divided in two broad categories: The Kangyur, which consists of Buddha’s words, and the Tengyur, which includes commentaries from various sources. Esotericism and tantra techniques (vajrayāna) are collected indepently.
General definition (in Buddhism)
The Dharmakaya may be considered the most sublime or truest reality in the Universe. Buddhas are manifestations of the Dharmakaya, and are called Nirmanakayas. Unlike ordinary unenlightened persons, Buddhas (and Arhats) do not die (though their physical bodies undergo the cessation of biological functions and subsequent disintegration). In the Lotus Sutra (sixth fascicle) Buddha explains that he has always and will always exist to lead beings to their salvation. This eternal aspect of Buddha is the Dharmakaya.
(Source): WikiPedia: BuddhismDharmakāya Skt. See Trikāya.
(Source): Shambala Publications: GeneralLanguages of India and abroad
Pali-English dictionary
dhammakāya : (adj.) the Normal body.
(Source): BuddhaSasana: Concise Pali-English Dictionary
Pali is the language of the Tipiṭaka, which is the sacred canon of Theravāda Buddhism and contains much of the Buddha’s speech. Closeley related to Sanskrit, both languages are used interchangeably between religions.
Sanskrit-English dictionary
Dharmakāya (धर्मकाय).—
1) an epithet of Buddha.
2) a Jaina saint.
Derivable forms: dharmakāyaḥ (धर्मकायः).
Dharmakāya is a Sanskrit compound consisting of the terms dharma and kāya (काय).
(Source): DDSA: The practical Sanskrit-English dictionarySanskrit, also spelled संस्कृतम् (saṃskṛtam), is an ancient language of India commonly seen as the grandmother of the Indo-European language family. Closely allied with Prakrit and Pali, Sanskrit is more exhaustive in both grammar and terms and has the most extensive collection of literature in the world, greatly surpassing its sister-languages Greek and Latin.
Relevant definitions
Search found 2830 related definition(s) that might help you understand this better. Below you will find the 15 most relevant articles:
| Dharma | Dharma (धर्म, “merit”) and Adharma (demerit) refers to two of the twenty-four guṇas (qualities)... | |
| Kaya | Kāya (काय, “body”) according to the 2nd-century Tattvārthasūtra 5.1.—The word kāya which litera... | |
| Dharmashastra | Dharmaśāstra (धर्मशास्त्र).—The importance of ethics and ethical values (nītiśāstra) is highlig... | |
| Mahakaya | Mahākāyā (महाकाया).—A woman follower of Lord Subrahmaṇya (Mahābhārata Śalya Parva, Chapter 46, ... | |
| Sudharma | 1) Sudharmā (सुधर्मा).—The assembly hall of the Devas. (the gods). (Bhāgavata, Skandha 10).2) S... | |
| Dharmaraja | Dharmarāja (धर्मराज).—A king of Gauḍadeśa. He became King at a time when Jainism was getting mo... | |
| Dharmapala | Dharmapāla (धर्मपाल) of Laramā is the name of one of the teachers of Dhīreśvarācārya (1851... | |
| Kshatradharma | Kṣatradharma (क्षत्रधर्म).—1) bravery, military heroism; क्षत्रधर्महतः (kṣatradharmahataḥ) Ms.5... | |
| Dharmadhvaja | Dharmadhvaja (धर्मध्वज) is the name of an ancient king from Ujjayinī, as mentioned in the eleve... | |
| Kayastha | Kāyastha (कायस्थ).—1) the Supreme Being. 2) the writer-caste (born from a kṣatriya father and a... | |
| Dharmashala | Dharmaśālā (धर्मशाला).—1) a court of justice, tribunal. 2) any charitabla institution. Dharmaśā... | |
| Dharmaputra | Dharmaputra (धर्मपुत्र).—The eldest of the Pāṇḍavas, the others being Bhīmasena, Arjuna, Nakula... | |
| Dharmagupta | Dharmagupta (धर्मगुप्त).—a. observing and protecting religion. -ptaḥ Name of Viṣṇu. Dharmagupta... | |
| Dharmadana | Dharmadāna (धर्मदान) refers to “generosity of the Dharma” and represents one of the three kinds... | |
| Dharmadhatu | Dharmadhātu (धर्मधातु).—an epithet of Buddha. Derivable forms: dharmadhātuḥ (धर्मधातुः).Dharmad... |
Relevant text
Search found 26 books and stories containing Dharmakaya, Dharma-kaya or Dharmakāya. You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
The Gospel of Buddha (by Paul Carus)
The Great Chariot (by Longchenpa)
Part 2 - How luminosity dwells within space and wisdom without adding or taking away < [B. The explanation of the kayas and wisdoms]
Part 3c - The peaceful dharmakaya < [B. The explanation of the kayas and wisdoms]
Part 2 - The fruition refuge < [B. The particular objects of refuge]
Bodhisattvacharyavatara (by Andreas Kretschmar)
Text Sections 165-166 < [Khenpo Chöga’s Oral Explanations]
Text Section 194 < [Khenpo Chöga’s Oral Explanations]
Text Sections 225-226 / Stanza 10 < [Khenpo Chöga’s Oral Explanations]
Chenian Short Lectures in America (by Yogi C. M. Chen)
Chapter 2 - Lecture Concerning Kurukula < [Part Two]
Chapter 2 - The Three Identifications < [Part One]
Chapter 3 - Deep Breathing < [Part One]
Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra (by Gelongma Karma Migme Chödrön)
Bodhisattva quality 22: their mind had no obstacles < [Chapter XII - Unhindered Mind]
Appendix 1 - The two bodies (kāya) of the Bodhisattva < [Chapter XX - The Virtue of Generosity and Generosity of the Dharma]
Part 5 - Perfection of generosity < [Chapter XX - The Virtue of Generosity and Generosity of the Dharma]