Significance of Three entities

The concept of Three entities varies across different philosophical traditions. In Tibetan Buddhism, it signifies Conscious Destruction, Unconscious Destruction, and Akasha, viewed as eternal and unchangeable. Vaishnavism identifies the Three entities as the principles of matter (Acit), soul (Cit), and Ishvara (the Supreme Lord), outlining the essence of existence. In Vedanta, the Three entities pertain to enjoying subjects, objects of enjoyment, and the Ruler, each holding unique traits.

Synonyms: Three parties, Three groups, Triad

In Dutch: Drie entiteiten; In Finnish: Kolme kokonaisuutta

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 entities'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, the Three entities include Conscious Destruction, Unconscious Destruction, and Akasha, all seen as eternal and unchangeable aspects of existence, reflecting the complex dynamics of consciousness and the universe.

Significance of Three entities in Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism):

Tibetan Buddhism Books

From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]

(1) Identified as Conscious Destruction, Unconscious Destruction, and Akasha, which are considered unmodifiable and eternal.^[1]

Tibetan Buddhism includes schools such as Nyingma, Kadampa, Kagyu and Gelug. Their primary canon of literature is divided in two broad categories: The Kangyur, which consists of Buddha’s words, and the Tengyur, which includes commentaries from various sources. Esotericism and tantra techniques (vajrayana) are collected indepently.

Hindu concept of 'Three entities'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, the "Three entities" encompass the principles of matter (Acit), soul (Cit), and Ishvara (the Supreme Lord), representing existence's fundamental nature, including enjoying subjects, objects of enjoyment, and the governing Ruler.

Significance of Three entities in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):

Vaishnavism Books

From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation

(1) The principles of matter (Acit), soul (Cit), and Ishvara (the Supreme Lord) that collectively define the nature of existence.^[2]

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (‘ten avatars of Vishnu’).

Significance of Three entities in Vedanta (school of philosophy):

Vedanta Books

From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)

(1) The classification in the philosophy discussed that includes enjoying subjects, objects of enjoyment, and the Ruler, each with distinct characteristics.^[3]

Vedanta refers to a school of orthodox Hindu philosophy (astika), drawing its subject-matter from the Upanishads. There are a number of sub-schools of Vedanta, however all of them expound on the basic teaching of the ultimate reality (brahman) and liberation (moksha) of the individual soul (atman).

Significance of Three entities in Shaivism (Shaiva philosophy):

Shaivism Books

From: Sivaprakasam (Study in Bondage and Liberation)

(1) Refers to Pati (divine), pashu (the soul), and pasha (bondage), which are central concepts in the philosophy of Shaiva Siddhanta.^[4]

Shaiva or Shaivism (shaivism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshiping Shiva as the supreme being. Closely related to Shaktism, Shaiva literature includes a range of scriptures, including Tantras, while the root of this tradition may be traced back to the ancient Vedas.

Last Updated: 26 September, 2024