Significance of Three forms
The keyphrase "Three forms" encompasses a variety of interpretations across different philosophies and religions. In Jainism, it pertains to interactions among divine classes and manifestations of Ishana. Tibetan Buddhism connects it to grammatical gender. Vastushastra describes it as categories of divine representations, while Vaishnavism identifies distinct aspects of existence and manifestations of the divine. The Purana elaborates on deific aspects related to creation, sustenance, and destruction. Overall, "Three forms" signifies multiplicity and complexity in spiritual expressions across various traditions.
Synonyms: Triplet, Triad, Three types, Three kinds, Tripartite.
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 forms'
Three forms in Buddhism can be interpreted as encompassing masculine, neuter, and feminine aspects, which play a crucial role in gender discussions within the tradition, highlighting the diversity of experiences and perspectives in Buddhist teachings.
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) Refers to the masculine, neuter, and feminine forms that words can take, which is central to discussions of gender in this context.[1]
Hindu concept of 'Three forms'
The "Three forms" in Hinduism encompass diverse manifestations of divine energy and existence, including the roles of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva as creator, sustainer, and destroyer, along with various interpretations tied to material nature and consciousness.
From: Shiva Purana
(1) The different manifestations of the supreme being as creator, sustainer, and annihilator.[2] (2) The manifestation of Sadashiva in three distinct aspects: Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the sustainer), and Rudra (the dissolver).[3] (3) The manifestations of the divine that include Brahma (creation), Vishnu (protection), and Hara (dissolution) as described by Lord Shiva.[4] (4) Referring to Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva as the trinity responsible for creation, preservation, and destruction.[5]
From: Agni Purana
(1) The division of verbs into bhave (impersonal), karmani (passive), and kartari (active).[6] (2) The manifestation of energy in three distinct forms as Vama, Jyeshtha, and Raudri, associated with Lord Shiva.[7] (3) The forms include impersonal, passive, and active.[8]
From: Padma Purana
(1) Refers to the various manifestations of Vishnu, highlighting the complexity of his divine nature.[9] (2) The manifestations of Vishnu as the creator, protector, and destroyer.[10]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) The manifestations of the Virat Purusha representing different aspects of existence: the material world (adhibhuta), celestial influences (adhidaiva), and spiritual consciousness (adhyatma).[11]
From: Markandeya Purana (Study)
(1) The concept that Surya represents different deific aspects, namely Brahma, Maheshvara (Shiva), and Vishnu, as mentioned in religious texts.[12]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) The different manifestations of the single divine entity, identified as Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, serving distinct roles.[13]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) The triple ‘ahankaras’ of Sattva, Rajas and Tamas.[14] (2) The triple ‘ahankaras’ of Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas which represent different aspects of existence.[15]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) The manifestations of Krishna that appear according to the type of devotion expressed by the worshiper.[16] (2) The three distinct representations of the Lord: most perfect, more perfect, and perfect.[17]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) The various manifestations of the divine as brahma, Paramatma, and Bhagavan.[18]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) The manifestations of Shri Lakshmi-devi corresponding to the three modes of material nature: Shri, Bhu, and Durga.[19]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) The arising aspects of the formless Brahman: nishkala (partless), sakala (with parts), and sakala-nishkala (with and without parts).[20]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) Refers to the elemental manifestations of existence: fire, water, and earth, representing different aspects of the unified reality.[21]
From: Amarakoshodghatana of Kshirasvamin (study)
(1) The different grammatical forms found for the word vardhushih, which are used in conventional contexts.[22]
From: Sahitya-kaumudi by Baladeva Vidyabhushana
(1) The existence of three distinct categories or types within a specific concept or entity.[23]
From: Samarangana-sutradhara (Summary)
(1) Indicates the different manifestations or representations that gods take, categorized as Cakara, Mut, and Tirnaka.[24]
Jain concept of 'Three forms'
In Jainism, the Three forms encompass interactions among various gods and goddesses, as well as a manifestation of Ishana, who embodies the divine role by holding chauris, symbolizing reverence and authority.
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) The repeated considerations that apply to the interactions between different classes of gods and goddesses in context.[25]
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) One of the manifestations of Ishana who took the Lord and held the chauris.[26]