six forms ［六相］ ( roku-sō): Also, sixfold nature. A doctrine of the Flower Garland (Chin Hua-yen;  Kegon) school that analyzes the phenomenal world from the standpoints of both difference and identity. The six forms are six inseparable aspects inherent in all things: (1) universality—the whole that is composed of parts; (2) particularity—each part that composes the whole; (3) similarity—the parts are all related to the whole; (4) diversity—though similar in that they are all related to the whole, each part’s relation to the whole is unique; (5) formation—the harmonization of unique parts forms the whole; and (6) differentiation—while harmonizing to form the whole, each part still retains its particular characteristics. The term six forms is often used in conjunction with the ten mysteries. The two explain the phenomenal world from different perspectives. See also ten mysteries.