Sambhogakaya

Sambhogakaya, meaning “enjoyment body” or “bliss body” in Sanskrit, is a key concept in Mahayana Buddhism and Vajrayana. It constitutes one of the three bodies (Trikaya) of a Buddha, alongside Dharmakaya (truth body) and Nirmanakaya (emanation or physical body). The Sambhogakaya is described as a celestial, non-physical form through which Buddhas and advanced bodhisattvas teach and sustain enlightened activity in pure lands and other realms. It is a manifestation designed for beings with spiritual faculties above the ordinary, expressing the bliss and compassionate activity of the Buddha.

In contrast to the Dharmakaya, which denotes the ultimate truth of enlightenment, and the Nirmanakaya, which appears in the world in physical form, the Sambhogakaya is perceived by advanced practitioners in visions, meditation, and celestial realms. It is the form in which the Dharma is communicated in the celestial spheres, including the buddha-fields of pure lands, and is often associated with the manifestation of compassionate means and miraculous appearances.

In Vajrayana practice, the Sambhogakaya is also encountered as the celestial deity or yidam in visualization and tantric rituals. Practitioners may visualize themselves as adorned Buddhas or receive initiations and teachings from Sambhogakaya forms of Buddhas. The three Kaya doctrine thus frames the Buddha’s enlightened activity as simultaneously for ultimate truth, celestial teaching, and worldly possibility.

See also Trikaya, Dharmakaya, Nirmanakaya, Bodhisattva, Pure Land.