ABSTRACT

This thesis is of three objectives e.g., (1) to study the concept of Trimurti (Three Incarnations) in Brahmanism – Hinduism, (2) to study the concept of Trikaya (Three bodies) in Mahayana Buddhism, and (3) to compare the two concepts in the similarities and the differences.

From the result of study in the first objective, it is found that Trimurti means the three kinds of God or Avatars of God which is the functions of God in a concept in Brahmanism-Hinduism. There is development for a long times, it can be divided into many periods, especially in the period of Avatar (incarnation), deterioration, and restoration. There has the concept for creation of three Gods as creator, preserver, and destroyer or transformer. Adi Shankaracharya had composed the Purana Scripture for restoration and improvement of Brahmanism to be Hinduism to create the concept of Avatar. Although, the Lord Buddha also is a posture of Narayana, it is the impact of Buddhism in India which was blend into Brahmanism – Hinduism until Buddhism had disappeared from India.      

From the result of study in the second objective, it is found that Trikaya means the concept of the three bodies of the Buddha consist of namely, 1)  Sambhoga-kaya, the Enjoyment-body which live in the Sukhavadi (Pure land), this body is between Dharma-kaya (Truth body) and Nirmana-kaya (Manifestation body). 'Sambhoga-kaya maintained forever, leave from impermanence, suffering, and non-self, it is the first body before Nirmana-kaya and existence after passed away of Nirmana-kaya. 2) Nirmana-kaya is a manifest body which people can be seen by the eyes, this is teaching the truth Dhamma following the law of the Three Characteristics, and attained Maha Parinibbana. This is a manifest body to do Buddha’s duties. 3) Dharma-kaya is truth body of the Buddha; it is the embodiment of the truth itself. It’s never died as the permanence, happiness, and self, and purification. It can be concluded that “Trikaya” is the divine body which living in the Buddha’s place, but He come to help human beings and all living beings in which His essence is prosperity forever.  

From the result of study in the third objective, it is found that the compression of similarities and differences are:-

The similarities :  the both Trimurti and Trikaya has faith in Theism that is the Avatars of God or the highest conditions which become into three kinds (bodies).

The differences : the Trimurti believes that the God is highest (Brahma), he was reincarnated into ten of Visnu. Then, the concept of Trikaya e.g., Dharma-kaya, Sambhoga-kaya and Nirmana-kaya did not mention any Avatar has blend gods in Brahmanism – Hinduism

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