tri = three, kaya = bodies

Trikaya is the concept of the three bodies of Buddhahood, developed by the Mahayana spiritual master, Asanga, around the 4th Century AD. In simple terms, the Trikaya explains that Buddhahood exists in three embodiments – Dharmakaya, Sambhogakaya, and Nirmanakaya. 

1. Dharmakaya

Dharmakaya Buddha is the state of pure Buddhahood. It is amorphous and all-encompassing in nature. It represents the truth and teachings of Buddha.

Samantabhadra, or Kunzang Yab-Yum, is a symbolic representation of the Dharmakaya Buddha.

2. Sambhogakaya

Sambhogakaya Buddha is the blissful state of Buddhahood. It also represents the glory and enjoyment of the Buddhas. The function of Sambhogakaya Buddhas is to inspire and guide the practitioners of Buddhism to enlightenment. 

Avalokiteśvara is a form of Sambhogakaya Buddha.

3. Niramanakaya

Niramanakaya Buddha is the physical emanation of the Sambhogakaya Buddha, who is born in human form to teach and guide the sentient beings on earth.

Shakyamuni Buddha is a Nirmanakaya Buddha. In present times, the Dalai Lama is also a Nirmanakaya Buddha, who is believed to be the emanation of the Sambhogakaya Buddha, Avalokiteśvara.