ཆོས་ཀྱི་སྐུ། | Glossary of Terms

In its earliest use it meant that though the corporeal body of the Buddha had perished, his “body of the Dharma” continued. It later came to be synonymous with enlightenment or buddhahood, a “body” that can only be “seen” by a buddha.

One of the subdivisions in the collection of dharmas that constitutes a buddha, variously explained but usually more closely related to the aspect of ultimate truth.

In distinction to the rūpakāya, or form body of a buddha, this is the eternal, imperceivable realization of a buddha. In origin it was a term for the presence of the Dharma, and has become synonymous with the true nature.

In distinction to the rūpakāya, or form body of a buddha, this is the eternal imperceptible realization of a buddha. In origin it was a term for the presence of the Dharma, and has come to become synonymous with the true nature.

In distinction to the rūpakāya, or “form body” of a buddha, this is the eternal, imperceivable realization of a buddha. In origin it was a term for the presence of the Dharma, and has come to be synonymous with the true nature.

The Dharma body, which is a buddha’s awakening, in contrast to his “Form body,” the rūpakāya, which is his visible form perceived by other beings.

Dharmakāya or “body of dharma” refers to the Buddha’s realization of reality.

“Body of dharma”; refers to the Buddha’s realization of reality. Sometimes translated “truth body” or “reality body.” In other contexts, particularly in early texts, the term may also refer to the Buddha’s qualities as a collective whole, or to his teachings as embodying him.

The “body of phenomena” as they really are; the state of complete and perfect awakening.

The “body of phenomena,” one of the three (sometimes four) bodies of the Buddha.

In distinction to the rūpakāya, or form body of a buddha, this is the eternal, imperceivable realization of a buddha. In origin it was a term for the presence of the Dharma, and it has since become synonymous with the true nature.

“Body of truth.” As one of the three bodies of a buddha, it refers to his realization of the nature of reality.

In distinction to the rūpakāya, or form body of a buddha, this is the eternal, imperceivable realization of a buddha. In origin it was a term for the presence of the Dharma, and it has since become synonymous with the true nature.

In distinction to the form body (rūpakāya) of a buddha, this is the eternal, imperceptible realization of a buddha. In origin it was a term for the presence of the Dharma and has become synonymous with the true nature.

Distinct from the rūpakāya or “form body” of a buddha. In origin it was a term for the presence of the Dharma, which would continue after the Buddha’s passing. It also came to refer to someone who was an embodiment of the Dharma, and also the eternal, imperceptible realization of a buddha, and therefore became synonymous with the true nature. In the context of the teaching of the three kāyas of a buddha, only the term dharmakāya (chos kyi sku), rather than dharmaśarīra, (chos kyi lus) was used.

One of three “bodies” manifested by the buddhas.

One of the subdivisions in the collection of dharmas that constitutes a Buddha, variously explained but usually more closely related to the aspect of ultimate truth.

The Buddha as the embodiment of his teachings, the all-encompassing aspect of absolute reality.

The Buddha as the embodiment of his teachings, the all-encompassing aspect of absolute reality.

In distinction to the form body (rūpakāya) of a buddha, this is the eternal, imperceptible realization of a buddha. In origin it was a term for the presence of the Dharma and has become synonymous with the true nature.

Also translated “ultimate body.”

See UT22084-062-010-23.

The ultimate nature or essence of the enlightened mind of the buddhas. It is said to be non-arising, free from the limits of conceptual elaboration, empty of inherent existence, naturally radiant, beyond duality, and spacious.

The ultimate nature or essence of the fruitional enlightened mind of the buddhas, which is non-arising, free from the limits of conceptual elaboration, empty of inherent existence, naturally radiant, beyond duality, and spacious.