Significance of Three aspects
The concept of Three aspects in Buddhism encompasses various interpretations across different traditions. It primarily refers to core elements in spiritual practice, including the training to abandon harmful actions, recognize beneficial ones, and practice them. In Tibetan Buddhism, it describes elements of spiritual growth, such as the nature of mandalas, the interconnected qualities of production, continuance, and destruction, and the essential components of body, speech, and mind. Overall, Three aspects highlight the multifaceted nature of existence and spiritual development within Buddhist teachings.
Synonyms: Three factors, Three elements, Three components, Three features, Three facets, Three characteristics, Three dimensions, Three parts.
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Three aspects'
The "Three aspects" in Buddhism encompass interconnected notions of production, continuance, and destruction, along with body, speech, and mind elements crucial for spiritual practice, reflecting their complexity and interrelation within the Buddhist philosophy.
From: Guhyagarbha Tantra (with Commentary)
(1) A thematic division relating to elements of a rite or spiritual practice, emphasizing both the complexity and depth of these gatherings.[1] (2) The three features concerning the central deities—including body-colours, ornamental garb, and the display of Buddha-speech.[2] (3) Refers to the elements that constitute the actual celestial palace as detailed in the text's commentary.[3] (4) Refers to the threefold nature of the teaching concerning the creation and empowerment of the mandala.[4]
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) The concept that all things possess three qualities: production, continuance, and destruction.[5] (2) A reference to the components of reality as perceived in the context of destruction, continuance, and production.[6] (3) The interconnected notions of Production, Continuance, and Destruction that are presented as inherent qualities within a single entity.[7]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) The three significant states of being attributed to phag mo gru pa: Buddha to those of excellent understanding, siddhi-purusha to those of medium understanding, and fortunate human being to those of inferior understanding.[8] (2) This phrase denotes the three fundamental elements of the spiritual practice: Body, Speech, and Mind, which are pivotal in Buddhist teachings.[9]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) Refers to particular components or attributes associated with the Treasury of the Tathagata that one is encouraged to cultivate.[10] (2) Refers to the eyes, form, and form realm, which are interrelated but do not originate from common conditions.[11] (3) The skandhas, places, and realms which, when understood, facilitate perfect penetration.[12] (4) Refers to the combined elements of the tongue, flavors, and consciousness in the context of how they relate to each other.[13]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) The core elements to be trained in: learning to abandon what is harmful, knowing what is beneficial, and practicing beneficial actions.[14]
From: Catusacca Dipani
(1) The elements of sankhata, santapa, and viparinama that are related to the suffering caused by craving.[15]
Hindu concept of 'Three aspects'
In Hinduism, "Three aspects" encompasses the triad of enjoyer, enjoyed, and power representing Brahman's nature, as well as samskara, bhavana, and bija in consciousness formation, and the various forms of the Lord that worshippers engage with.
From: Shaiva Upanishads (A Critical Study)
(1) Refers to the triad of entities—enjoyer, enjoyed, and power—that together represent the full nature of Brahman.[16]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) The distinct forms or manifestations of the Lord that the worshipper recognizes and engages with.[17]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) The components of samskara, bhavana, and bija that represent the same underlying concept related to the perfecting and forming of consciousness.[18]