Significance of Three Existences
The concept of Three Existences encompasses various interpretations across different philosophical traditions. In Purana, it signifies states of being influenced by karma, the potential forms of Jaya and Vijaya if opposed to Vishnu, and Lord Vishnu's incarnations for dharma's protection. Mahayana views it as the states influenced by karma, the liberation sought by the Bodhisattva, and the realms of desire and form. Theravada discusses it as the cycle of birth abandoned by the Buddha, focusing on desires to relinquish and significant births of the Bodhisatta demonstrating wisdom consistency.
Synonyms: Three phenomena, Three states, Three beings, Three entities, Three forms, Three lives
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 Existences'
The Three Existences in Buddhism represent the realms of desire, form, and formlessness influenced by karma and kilesa, which the Buddha transcended through wisdom and spiritual development, seeking liberation from the cycle of rebirth.
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) Concept addressed in Rahula Samyutta teachings, regarding the desires one should abandon.[1] (2) The domains of existence that the Buddha claimed to have abandoned, which include the cycle of birth and rebirth.[2] (3) The realms of existence in Buddhist cosmology influenced by kilesa, which the Buddha claims to have escaped.[3] (4) Refers to three significant births of the Bodhisatta where he spoke profound words, indicating a consistency of wisdom across lifetimes.[4]
From: The Catu-Bhanavara-Pali (critical study)
(1) The prior states of being from which creatures become liberated through the realization of the seven dhammas.[5]
From: Buddhacarita
(1) The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth that one is freed from through enlightenment.[6] (2) The physical forms and states of being from which the Bodhisattva seeks liberation.[7]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) Refers to the states of existence that beings can inhabit, contingent upon their karma and spiritual development.[8]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) The realms of desire, form, and formlessness, which Gavampati left behind.[9]
From: Guhyagarbha Tantra (with Commentary)
(1) Refers to the different realms or states of being within the ten directions and six world systems.[10]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) The realms or states of being recognized in spiritual practice, often considered in the context of impermanence.[11]
Hindu concept of 'Three Existences'
The Three Existences in Hinduism encompass Lord Vishnu's incarnations for dharma, the cyclic states stemming from karma, and the potential existence of Jaya and Vijaya had they opposed Vishnu.
From: Padma Purana
(1) The form of existence Jaya and Vijaya would have if they chose to remain enemies of Vishnu.[12] (2) Refers to the repeated incarnations of Lord Vishnu in different forms for the protection of dharma.[13] (3) The states or forms of existence that one undergoes as a result of accumulated karma and sin.[14]