THE NOTION OF DHARMAKAYA
A Study in the Buddhist Absolute
Keywords:
DHARMAKAYA, BuddhismAbstract
The question of the nature of the Absolute in Buddhism remains a t topical issue, and one point immediately raised in this regard is whether it is proper at all to apply the term "Absolute," with all its connotations in Western philosophy, in referring to what is considered of ultimate value in Buddhism. l Granting the justifiability of the application with due awareness of its proper Buddhist context, questions concerning its interpretation, and further, its similarities and differences with the Judaeo-Christian notion of God or with the Brahman of Indian philosophy, etc., come up as issues of (yo scholarly interest. From within Buddhism itself, the different schools present various and sometimes contrasting approaches to what is considered of ultimate value, and these approaches in turn have bearing on the religious practice considered necessary towards its attainment.
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