The Three Bodies of Buddha

Mahāyāna school of Buddhism introduces the doctrine of Tri-kāya or the three bodies of Buddha for explaining the nature of the Buddha. According to this theory, Buddha has three bodies or three different manifestations. The most important body of Buddha is dharma kāya and it is the real essence of all things, so, it resides in innermost part of human beings and only through the mystical knowledge men could be aware of it. However, different schools of Mahāyāna, based on their philosophical viewpoints presents different interpretation of dharma- kāya. The second body of Buddha is Sambhogā- kāya which dwells in heaven and only Bodhisattvas could enjoy it. This body of Buddha is in the lower place than dharma body. Another body of Buddha is Nirmāna-kāya. It is the visual manifestation of Buddha on the earth. This is the historical Buddha who brought his emancipating knowledge to people. According to this doctrine Buddha not only manifested himself as Šakyamunī but also have appeared in different forms or bodies.