Analysis of the Relationship between “Dharma” as Doctrine and the Buddha's “Truth Body” (“Reality body”)

Articles in Press

Document Type : Scientific-research

Authors

1 PhD Candidate, Advanced Art Studies, College of Fine Arts, University of Tehran

2 Professor, Advanced Art Studies, College of Fine Arts, University of Tehran

Abstract

This article studies the doctrine of Dharmakāya, considered the supreme body of the Buddha. The Trikāya theory, rooted in Buddhology and proposed by Mahāyāna proponents, sought to elucidate the relationship between the eternal-absolute concept and the historical existence of the Buddha. The research questions concern the precise meaning of the word "body" (kāya), the influence of the Mahāyāna philosophical perspective on the nature of the Buddha on the theorization of the doctrine of the Buddha's Dharma-body (dharmakāya), and its relationship with the concept of dharma as the Buddha's teaching. Data were collected using library resources and analyzed using a descriptive-analytical method to answer these questions. The findings indicate that Dharmakāya equates to the ultimate truth of the Buddha and reflects the teaching according to which seeing the dharma is considered seeing the Buddha. It was within the context of early Mahāyāna literature that tathatā (Suchness) was regarded as the starting point for knowledge and contemplation concerning the Tathāgata (Buddha), and the concept of Dharmakāya acquired philosophical significance. In other words, tathatā was identified with Dharmakāya. Since tathatā was present in everything, constituted the essence of all beings, and encompassed the world, Dharmakāya became the "Cosmic Body" of the Buddha.

Keywords

The Mirror of Knowledge

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 11 June 2025

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