What is the 3 bodies (trikaya) doctrine in Buddhism?

Bright on Buddhism Episode 59 - What is the 3 bodies doctrine in Buddhism? What role does it play in ritual and doctrine? How have understandings of it changed over time? Resources: Radich, Michael (2007). Problems and Opportunities in the Study of the Bodies of the Buddha, New Zealand Journal of Asian Studies 9 (1), 46-69; Xing, Guang (2005). The Concept of the Buddha: Its Evolution from Early Buddhism to the Trikāya Theory. Psychology Press. ISBN 978-0-415-33344-3.; Collins, Steven (15 July 2014), "Reflections on the Dichotomy Rūpakāya/Dhammakāya", Contemporary Buddhism, 15 (2): 261–2, doi:10.1080/14639947.2014.932481, S2CID 143200561.; Thrangu Rinpoche (2003), Pointing Out the Dharmakaya: Teachings on the Ninth Karmapa's Text, Shambhala, ISBN 978-1-55939-857-2.; Williams, Paul (2009), Mahayana Buddhism: The Doctrinal Foundations (PDF) (2 ed.), Oxford: Routledge.; Namdak, Lopon Tenzin (1991). Vajranatha (ed.). "The Attaining of Buddhahood". Retrieved March 18, 2009.; Yampolski, Philip (tr.) (1967). "The Platform Sutra of the Sixth Patriarch" (PDF).; Fiordallis, David (20 September 2008). Miracles and Superhuman Powers in South Asian Buddhist Literature (PDF) (PhD dissertation). University of Michigan. Archived (PDF) from the original on 23 April 2017. Retrieved 22 April 2017.; Jigme Lingpa; Longchen Yeshe Dorje; Kangyur Rinpoche (2013). Treasury of Precious Qualities: Book Two: Vajrayana and the Great Perfection. Shambhala Publications. ISBN 978-0834828575.; Thondup, Tulku (2011). Incarnation: The History and Mysticism of the Tulku Tradition of Tibet. Boston: Shambhala Publications. ISBN 978-1590308394 Do you have a question about Buddhism that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by finding us on email or social media! https://linktr.ee/brightonbuddhism Credits: Nick Bright: Script, Cover Art, Music, Voice of Hearer, Co-Host Proven Paradox: Editing, mixing and mastering, social media, Voice of Hermit, Co-Host