Nirmāṇakāya

Nirmāṇakāya (निर्माणकाय / སྤྲུལ་སྐུ་, sprul sku) — “Emanation Body”

• Meaning: “Manifestation” or “transformation body.”
• Nature: The form that appears in the world — such as Śākyamuni Buddha — to teach ordinary beings.
• Function: Acts in time and space for the benefit of sentient beings, embodying the awakened qualities in tangible form.
• Analogy: Like a rainbow — appearing vividly but without substance.
• Associated with: Skillful means (upāya) and the compassionate manifestation of enlightenment.