The Trikāya (“three bodies”) is a Mahāyāna Buddhist teaching describing three aspects or dimensions of Buddhahood: the ultimate nature of reality, the Buddha’s celestial/ideal form, and the Buddha’s manifested form in the world.
Dharmakāya
The Dharmakāya (“Dharma Body”) is the Buddha’s ultimate, formless nature—the truth or reality realized by a Buddha. It is beyond ordinary concepts, appearances, and physical form.
Rupakāya
The Rūpakāya (“Form Body”) refers to the manifested forms of a Buddha that can be experienced or perceived. It has two aspects:
Sambhogakāya
The Sambhogakāya (“Enjoyment Body”) is the Buddha’s celestial or visionary form, experienced by advanced bodhisattvas in pure realms. It represents the Buddha’s perfected qualities and teachings.
Nirmāṇakāya
The Nirmāṇakāya (“Transformation Body”) is the Buddha’s emanated physical/worldly manifestation, appearing in forms appropriate to help ordinary beings. Gautama Buddha is traditionally understood as an example of the Nirmāṇakāya.