Significance of Three kinds
The phrase "Three kinds" is used across various Indian philosophical and religious traditions, including Buddhism, Jainism, Tibetan Buddhism, Vaishnavism, Puranas, Natyashastra, Yoga, Ayurveda, Jyotisha, Vyakarana, Vedanta, Dharmashastra, Rasashastra, Pancaratra, Vaisheshika, Mahayana, Theravada, Indian history, Kavyashastra, and Vedic Hinduism. It signifies classifications or categorizations of concepts such as existences, knowledge, actions, feelings, minds, time, dharma, sensations, charity, and more, offering a structured understanding of diverse aspects of life and spirituality.
Synonyms: Three types, Three categories, Three varieties, Three forms, Three sorts
In Dutch: Drie soorten; In Finnish: Kolme lajia; In Spanish: Tres tipos; In German: Drei Arten; In Swedish: Tre sorter; In Malay: Tiga jenis; In French: Trois types; In Finnish: Kolmenlaisia; In Italian: Tre tipi; In Portugese: Três tipos; In Polish: Trzy rodzaje; In French: Trois sortes
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 kinds'
"Three kinds" in Buddhism encompasses diverse concepts: time understanding (past, present, future), treatise categories (meaningful, suffering-overcoming, practical), feeling types (pleasant, unpleasant, neutral), and bodhi types (arhats, pratyekabuddhas, Buddhas).
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) There are three kinds of coarse vitarka, good vitarka, and subtle vitarka, each influencing the quality and direction of thoughts and concentration.[1] (2) Beings enveloped by ignorance in regard to rebirth, carry out actions (samskara) of "three kinds", and based on these actions, they fall into the six destinies.[2] (3) Feeling is categorized into three kinds: unpleasant, pleasant, and neither unpleasant nor pleasant.[3] (4) The text references three distinct types of happiness and good, categorizing them to provide a structured understanding of different aspects of existence and well-being.[4] (5) The Buddha spoke of three kinds of feeling, which include pleasant feeling, unpleasant feeling and feeling that is neither unpleasant nor pleasant.[5]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) This refers to the three categories of image, namely small, big, and boundless, which correspond to different levels of understanding and attachment.[6] (2) Refer to past, future, and present; they are a way of understanding time and how it relates to the actions of individuals, mentioned in the text.[7]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) The three kinds of real appearances are the real appearance which is without an appearance, the real appearance which is not without an appearance, and the real appearance which is without an appearance and yet not without an appearance.[8]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) These are the genuine treatises, combined in the Bodhisattva-caryavatara, including those that are meaningful, lead to overcoming suffering, and are concerned with the application of practice, as described in the text.[9]
From: Lankavatara Sutra
(1) There are this also of the Bodhisattvas: those who have not yet reached Buddhahood, those who manifest themselves according to the thoughts of sentient beings, and those who are seen in the likeness of the Buddha.[10]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) The three kinds refers to Samma-Sambodhi, Pacceka-Bodhi and Savaka-Bodhi, all of which are types of Enlightenment.[11] (2) This is related to the sotapatti-phala attainers: (a) the one who has just one rebirth to undergo, (b) the one who has to undergo from two, three to six rebirths, (c) the one who has no possibility of rebirth beyond the seventh existence.[12] (3) This mentions the types of existence for which craving and desire should not be developed, as taught in the Rahula Samyutta, encouraging detachment from worldly desires.[13] (4) These are the different kinds of adhitthana, which include Pubbanimitta Adhitthana, Asisa Adhitthana and Vata Adhitthana, each serving a specific purpose in the spiritual journey of individuals.[14] (5) Three kinds of sensation are mentioned in the text, which refers to the different ways that a person can experience the world through their senses, with each sensation having a positive or negative impact.[15]
From: Vinaya (3): The Cullavagga
(1) Refers to the various options given for certain structures or features, such as brick, stone, and wooden facings or stairs.[16] (2) Refers to the three permitted materials for rubbing feet: sandstone, gravel, and sea-foam, as allowed by the Blessed One.[17]
From: Patthanuddesa Dipani
(1) The categorization of control types into coexistence, pre-existence, and physical life.[18]
From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)
(1) The text refers to the three kinds of existence entangled in the tangle, which the individual may disentangle, representing a significant aspect of the discussion.[19]
From: Patthana Dhamma
(1) There are three kinds of feeling, sukha, dukkha, and adukkhamasukha, according to anubhavana bheda or class of feeling.[20]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) The types of soul according to Jainism: nityasiddhatmaya, muktatmaya, and baddhatmaya.[21]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) Three kinds of dancing-king are mentioned, seeing Him, proceeded to go facing towards the divine world of Tavatimsa, accompanied by five hundred bhikkhus through the sky above his very mansion.[22] (2) The text references three kinds of existences, which are described as being like burning leaf-lodgings, implying a desire to be free from these conditions.[23]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) Refers to the classification of the nirmanakayas into three distinct types: self-existing, taming, and various.[24]
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) Refers to the three classifications of 'import of words' which include the Universal, Connection of the Universal, and One Endowed with the Universal.[25]
Hindu concept of 'Three kinds'
In Hinduism, "Three kinds" denotes diverse classifications across various domains, including gestures, ashes, Snatakas, desired objects, Gauripashana varieties, action categories, edema types, sin conception, breezes, abandonment, Ketus, dharma, actions, dream cognition, friendly persons, Lakshaná, pain, starting points, serpents, experience, foot movements, Sun's motion, words, dakshina, sentiments, diamonds, actions of non-yogis, means of conquering, touch, and nature.
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Men are classified into Sattvic, Rajasic, and Tamasic, with Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva sprung from these Ahamkaras.[26] (2) This phrase refers to the different types of ashes being discussed, setting the subject of the discourse. These ashes are central to the ritual and are classified based on the process of their creation and the intended spiritual outcomes. The text emphasizes the diversity within this category.[27] (3) Refers to the classifications of the Sun's motion: Shighra, Manda, and even.[28]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The administration of movable and immovable poison was mentioned in respect of the three kinds of things: wearing apparel, food, and incantations.[29] (2) Refers to the categorization of abandonment, which is discussed in terms of its quality and nature in the text.[30]
From: Brihaddharma Purana (abridged)
(1) The classification of nature into Vidya and two kinds of Avidya.[31]
From: Bhagavadgita
(1) The food also, which is liked by all, and likewise the sacrifice, the penance, and gifts, are of these.[32]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The classification system indicating that the migratory state can be categorized into three levels based on quality.[33] (2) Refers to the categorization of actions or states into highest, middling, and lowest as part of an explanatory schema.[34] (3) The three categories of 'sodaryatva' based on familial relationships, specifically regarding sameness of parentage.[35] (4) Refers to the categorization of actions as being generated by speech, mind, and body.[36]
From: Paraskara-grihya-sutra
(1) This indicates the existence of distinct categories of Snatakas, with each category representing a different stage of completion of their education.[37]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 2: Minerals (uparasa)
(1) Refers to the three variations of bimala: svarna-bimala, raupya-bimala, and kansya-bimala.[38] (2) Refers to the three varieties of Gauripashana: red, yellow, and white, which are distinguished by their merit.[39]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 3: Metals, Gems and other substances
(1) The classification of diamonds into masculine, feminine, and neuter categories.[40]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 4: Iatrochemistry
(1) According to the provided text, this condition is generally of three kinds, primary, chronic, and a type related to waste.[41]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) Refers to the categorization of hospitable treatment as best (uttama), moderate (madhyama), and low or inferior (adhama).[42]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) indicates that there are three distinct categories of origins for living beings.[43]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) Refers to the classification of the Lakshaná or implied meanings into three distinct categories: Jahati, Ajahati, and Bhaga.[44]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) Experience is said to be of these, according to a glossary, including Paramarthika, Prathibhasika, and Vyavaharika, with the last two being different from each other.[45]
From: International Research Journal of Ayurveda and Yoga
(1) Ahankara is of these kinds, such as Vaikarika (Satvik), Taijasa (Rajas) and Bhutadai (Tamas).[46] (2) Types of agnimandhya: it is of three kinds- 1. Vataj agnimandhya, 2. Pittaj agnimandhya, 3. Kaphaj agnimandhya.[47]
From: Charaka Samhita (English translation)
(1) The provided text discusses a chapter that focuses on the three types of edema, which are conditions characterized by swelling in the body.[48]
From: Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences
(1) The text mentions these examinations: Aaptopadeshha, Pratyaksha, and Anumaana, which are used to analyze the issue of the doctor's influence on patient outcomes in the context of Ayurveda.[49]
From: Padarthadharmasamgraha and Nyayakandali
(1) The classification of dream cognition into three categories: based on strength of impressions, disorders of bodily humours, and unseen forces.[50] (2) The classification of Conjunction into three types based on how they come about: through the action of one, due to the action of both, and by another Conjunction.[51] (3) Touch can be categorized into three types: cold, hot, and neither-hot-nor-cold.[52]
From: Natyashastra (English)
(1) Three kinds of Erotic, Comic, and Terrible Sentiments are mentioned, and likewise, the Pathetic, Heroic, Terrible, Odious, and Marvellous Sentiments are described in three different ways.[53] (2) This refers to the three types of foot movements: ordinary gait, Cari, and Mandala, used in dramatic representation.[54]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) Refers to the categorization of starting points based on their relation to expressed movement: one where movement is fully mentioned, one where it's partly expressed, and one where movement is implied as necessary.[55] (2) Categories of the most desired object as outlined in the text, which include product (nirvartya), modification (vikarya), and destination (prapya).[56] (3) The classification of words based on the relationship between sounds and meanings of their smaller units.[57]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja’s Rajamartanda)
(1) These are the different classifications of pain, including mental, physical, and supernatural, as noted within the context of the provided text.[58]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) This refers to the classification of friendly persons into three distinct categories based on their behaviors.[59]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Refers to the three types of breezes that surround the area, contributing to the scene's serene and fragrant ambiance.[60]
From: Parama Samhita (English translation)
(1) This refers to Ahankara arising from Buddhi by association with the three gunas: Sattvaguna, Rajas, and Tamas.[61] (2) The three kinds of dharma, categorized by association with mind (Mana), speech (Vak), and work (Karma).[62]
From: Brihat Samhita
(1) The Ketus are classified into three categories: celestial, etherial, and terrestrial.[63]
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) Three kinds of dakshina, or sacrificial fees, are associated with the Jyotishtoma sacrifice, indicating a specific structure for the offerings and rewards in the spring ritual.[64]
From: Kautilya Arthashastra
(1) These are deliberation, the strength of sovereignty and perseverance.[65]
Jain concept of 'Three kinds'
In Jainism, "Three kinds" has multiple interpretations. It categorizes living beings, refers to types of knowledge, classifies 'palya,' describes drum sounds, classifies 'vimana,' relates to the soul's disposition, and connects to a monk's integrity and food consumption.
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) Refers to the disposition (bhava) due to the inherent nature of the soul (parinamika), which is categorized into three kinds.[66] (2) Refers to the classification of palya into vyavahara, uddhara, and addha.[67] (3) The classifications into which the ‘vimana’ fall, which are indraka, shrenibaddha, and pushpa-prakirnaka.[68]
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Three kinds of knowledge are possessed by the one being praised.[69] (2) Three kinds of food, the worst, medium, and the best, were consumed by Kandarika, up to his neck, after returning to the kingdom.[70] (3) The three kinds of drums are played with the sounds of clouds, creating a musical performance meant to entice the Lord.[71]
From: Uttaradhyayana Sutra
(1) The three kinds are used to categorize immovable living beings (Earth Lives, Water Lives, and plants) and movable beings (Fire Lives, Wind Lives, and those with an organic body).[72] (2) A monk should avoid faults in the search, receiving, and use of food, articles of use, and lodging to maintain integrity.[73]
The concept of Three kinds in local and regional sources
Three kinds, according to regional sources, refers to three kinds of charity: Tamasic, Rajasic, and Sattvic. It also refers to three kinds of proof: direct perception, inference, and competent evidence.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) The three kinds of proof include direct perception, inference, and competent evidence, and are used to establish knowledge and understanding.[74] (2) The text says that there are three kinds of charity: Tamasic, Rajasic, and Sattvic, which are explained in detail.[75]
Classical concept of 'Three kinds'
From: The Nicomachean Ethics of Aristotle
(1) Three kinds of constitution are monarchy, aristocracy, and timocracy, each with its own characteristics and corresponding deviation-forms, influencing the governance and organization of society.[76] (2) There are three kinds of moral states to be avoided—vice, incontinence, brutishness, each representing a deviation from virtuous conduct.[77] (3) These are disposition, two of them vices, involving excess and deficiency respectively, and one a virtue, viz. the mean.[78]