Is there a difference between the 32 physical characteristics and the the 32 physical marks? Why does the Buddha ask the same question twice, and why does Subhuti answer it two different ways? In Diamond Sutra Chapter 13


  “Subhuti, what do you think? Can the Buddha be perceived by means of
  his thirty-two physical characteristics?”
  
  “No, Most Honored One. The Buddha cannot be perceived by his
  thirty-two physical characteristics. Why? Because the Buddha teaches
  that they are not real but are merely called the thirty-two physical
  characteristics.”


but in Diamond Sutra Chapter 26


  “What do you think Subhuti? Is it possible to recognize the Buddha by
  the 32 physical marks?”
  
  Subhuti replied, “Yes, Most Honored One, the Buddha may thus be
  recognized.”


Is there a difference between the 32 physical characteristics and the the 32 physical marks?
is there any difference between 32 phy.characteristics and 32 physical marks. there are many hindrance to be encountered ,out of which one is doubt .a slightest of it can ruin our walking on the path.  a little effort to clear the same is as follows----the answer has arisen after giving a slight thought upon and is not backed by any reference pl. The physical characteristics when asked upon by subhuti, buddha replies that they are impermanent and cannot be treated as lighthouse to know buddha. here he may mean about the nature ,traits,habits of person . in the other instance when subhuti asks about physical marks buddha says yes. here may mean that a person who is going to become a enlightened buddha has some physical marks on the body sya a lotus mark on toes, high forehead,hands reaching  below the knees etc.i don't know them exactly how many and what they are really. but a slight surfing will fetch inf of the same. the point to be searched as physical marks on a reincarnated soul(avatar), enlightened yogi "s physical body.answer may put forth a slight light to clear your doubt.