Significance of Three qualities
The term "Three qualities" encompasses several interpretations across various philosophical and religious contexts, primarily focusing on the qualities of Sattva (goodness), Rajas (activity), and Tamas (darkness). In Hindu philosophy, these qualities describe the fundamental characteristics affecting human behavior and the nature of reality. They influence perceptions, actions, and exist in everything, guiding spiritual progress and understanding. Various systems, including Ayurveda, Sankhya, and Vedanta, highlight these qualities' integral roles in defining existence and consciousness.
Synonyms: Attributes, Features, Properties
In Dutch: Drie kwaliteiten; In German: Drei Qualitäten; In Finnish: Kolme ominaisuutta; In Spanish: Tres cualidades
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 qualities'
The Three qualities in Buddhism encompass essential attributes of a guru, enlightened traits for disciples, and criteria for validity in monastic actions, reflecting the structured discipline and conduct vital for mastery and spiritual progression.
From: Vinaya Pitaka (3): Khandhaka
(1) Specific traits that determine whether a formal act of censure is valid.[1] (2) The essential characteristics that a monk must possess; they are likely related to conduct and discipline but are not explicitly defined in the text.[2] (3) Criteria mentioned that determine whether a formal act of banishment is legally valid or not.[3] (4) Criteria mentioned for determining the validity of a formal act of suspension, emphasizing the structured nature of monastic discipline.[4] (5) The specific traits that determine whether a formal act is by rule, by discipline, and easily settled or not.[5]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (4): Parivara
(1) Indicates specific negative attributes that may disqualify a monk from particular duties or privileges within the Order, emphasizing unconscientiousness, ignorance, and being unregular.[6]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) These refer to Dexterity, Valour, and Resource, which the ogre suggested were essential for mastery over enemies.[7]
From: Buddhacarita
(1) Refers to the enlightened attributes that disciples aspire to cultivate as taught by the Buddha.[8]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) The characteristics of the mind that are 'good', 'bad', and 'indeterminate' which influence the patterns of dharmas.[9]
From: Guhyagarbha Tantra (with Commentary)
(1) The attributes of a guru that include the ability to confer empowerment, explain tantras, and reveal instructions, crucial for their veneration.[10]
Hindu concept of 'Three qualities'
The Three qualities in Hinduism—Sattva (goodness), Rajas (passion), and Tamas (darkness)—are fundamental attributes that shape human behavior, experiences, and existence, influencing thoughts and actions throughout life and spiritual progress.
From: Agni Purana
(1) The classifications of nature's influence on human behavior: sattva (goodness), rajas (passion), and tamas (ignorance).[11] (2) Attributes represented in a linga's circumference to embody specific spiritual principles.[12] (3) Defined as sound, touch, and sight; fundamental sensory experiences.[13] (4) Essential attributes that are often meditated upon during spiritual practices.[14] (5) Refers to the qualities of sattva, rajas, and tamas that are foundational to Hindu philosophy and are represented by the linga.[15]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The triad of goodness, passion, and darkness that shapes the nature of existence and human behavior.[16] (2) The fundamental properties influencing human behavior and perception that must be transcended for spiritual progress.[17] (3) Ability to subdue the senses, forgiveness, and abstention from work, viewed as essential traits for achieving perfect felicity.[18] (4) The qualities of goodness, passion, and darkness that affect human behavior and understanding.[19] (5) The fundamental attributes that underlie all substances and beings, characterized as Darkness, Passion, and Goodness.[20]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The qualities of Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas embodied in the Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesha.[21] (2) The Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas are fundamental attributes that influence human behavior and the nature of the universe.[22] (3) The three qualities refer to Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas, which are essential characteristics manifest in individuals and influence their thoughts, actions, and overall state of being.[23] (4) The three qualities refer to Sattvic, Rajasic, and Tamasic characteristics that influence beings and are responsible for their actions and behaviors in the universe.[24] (5) Refers to the inherent characteristics of Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas that are always intermingled and influence an individual's thoughts and actions.[25]
From: Padma Purana
(1) Rajas, Sattva, and Tamas, associated with the three gods Brahma, Vishnu, and Shankara.[26] (2) The characteristics of creation, maintenance, and destruction associated with Brahman, Vishnu, and Shankara.[27] (3) Refers to the attributes of Sattvika, Rajasa, and Tamasa determining behaviors and destinies.[28] (4) The triad of qualities (Sattva, Rajas, Tamas) that are created from the eternal god Sadashiva and are essential to the acts performed by the gods.[29]
From: Anugita (English translation)
(1) The three qualities referred to are goodness, passion, and darkness, which cannot be distinctly explained from one another, as they are seen mixed, interdependent, and performing their journey together.[30] (2) Refers to the three fundamental qualities that influence the nature of human life and existence.[31] (3) Darkness, passion, and goodness; these are interrelated and affect one another in their manifestation.[32]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) The characteristics that all beings are said to be subject to, encompassing both immovable and movable objects.[33] (2) The three principal qualities of existence—passion, darkness, and goodness—associated with Brahma, Rudra, and Vishnu respectively, reflecting their roles in creation, preservation, and dissolution.[34] (3) The fundamental attributes that characterize the different created beings and phenomena by Brahma.[35]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) The attributes associated with Brahma and Vishnu that play a role in creation, preservation, and destruction.[36] (2) The qualities of goodness, foulness, and darkness that compose the faculties of creation, preservation, and destruction in corporal beings.[37] (3) The inherent characteristics of creation embodied in the forms of beings, classified as goodness, darkness, and foulness.[38]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The fundamental attributes associated with existence, reflecting on the nature of the mind and consciousness.[39] (2) Refers to the three states of existence (satva, rajas, tamas) that define the nature of all things in the universe.[40]
From: Vishnu Purana (Taylor)
(1) Gunas refer to the three constituent qualities of the universe.[41] (2) Purity, passion, and dullness which are the foundation of Matter and influence creation.[42]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Refers to Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas, the three gunas that characterize existence.[43]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) Sattva (illumination), Rajas (action), and Tamas (nescience); the inherent characteristics found in individuals.[44]
From: Brahma Purana
(1) The three Gunas—Tamas, Rajas, and Sattva—that influence the mind and actions of individuals.[45]
From: Brihaddharma Purana (abridged)
(1) Sattva (harmony), Rajas (mobility), and Tamas (inertia), which are foundational aspects needed for creation, maintenance, and destruction.[46]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja’s Rajamartanda)
(1) Refers to the inherent characteristics that influence both objects and the thinking principle, impacting how perceptions manifest as pleasure, pain, or delusion.[47] (2) The characteristics regarded when considering the second degree of Dispassion.[48] (3) The fundamental qualities of nature—goodness (sattva), foulness (rajas), and darkness (tamas)—that influence the states of the thinking principle.[49] (4) Refers to the qualities of goodness, foulness, and darkness, which manifest in forms such as pleasure, pain, and delusion, creating mutual antagonism.[50] (5) Refers to the fundamental attributes discussed in the text which can manifest separately, representing different states like goodness, foulness, and darkness.[51]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) Refers to Sattva (purity), Rajas (activity), and Tamas (inertia) that govern behavior and influence existence.[52] (2) In Sankhya philosophy, the object is composed of three qualities which influence its perception and interaction with different minds.[53] (3) Refers to the properties of essence, disturbing energy, and inertia that influence the state of consciousness and mental modifications.[54] (4) Refers to the qualities of the mind: illumination (sattva), activity (rajas), and inertia (tamas), which influence its modifications and overall state.[55] (5) The three qualities refer to fundamental aspects of existence that influence desires and experiences, often linked to the concepts of virtue, vice, and the nature of reality.[56]
From: Siddhanta Sangraha of Sri Sailacharya
(1) The three qualities referred to are sattva, rajas, and tamas, which are in a state of equilibrium within avyakta.[57] (2) The fundamental qualities of all elements: sattva (goodness), rajas (passion), and tamas (ignorance).[58]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) The attributes associated with fire, which consist of its own quality and those of the two preceding elements, ether and air.[59]
From: Bhagavatpadabhyudaya by Lakshmana Suri (study)
(1) Refers to the aspects of the material world understood through the lens of spiritual ignorance in Advaita philosophy.[60]
From: Shiva Gita (study and summary)
(1) The three fundamental qualities of nature: sattva (goodness), rajas (passion), and tamas (ignorance), influencing human behavior.[61]
From: Prasthanatrayi Swaminarayan Bhashyam (Study)
(1) Refers to the gunas of maya: sattva (goodness), rajas (passion), and tamas (ignorance), which bind the self to worldly existence.[62]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The three fundamental traits: ‘Sattva,’ ‘Rajas,’ and ‘Tamas’ that determine the state of existence.[63] (2) Refers to the characteristics of equilibrium, increase and decrease as they appear at three times.[64] (3) The categories of qualities noted in the context, specifically referring to Sattva and others.[65] (4) Refers to the inherent characteristics possessed by every entity, which influence the traits of that entity.[66] (5) The three qualities referred to are good, bad, and middling, which are results that emerge from the practice of these qualities.[67]
From: Dvisahasri of Tembesvami (Summary and Study)
(1) The attributes corresponding to the divine power that allows the Holy Master to create the world, despite being desireless.[68]
From: Bhishma Charitra
(1) Character, valour, and beauty are the traits observed in Prince Devavrata, leading people to feel secure and hopeful about their country.[69]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) The fundamental attributes (reality, passion, darkness) that are represented in the composition of the threefold thread used during the ceremony.[70]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) The attributes existing in all things, particularly highlighted by the Sankhyas, which include rajas (activity).[71] (2) The qualities represented by the word brahmana: austerity, learning, and birth.[72]
From: Nyayakusumanjali of Udayana (study)
(1) Elements that are part of prakriti's functioning, although not explicitly defined in the text, they relate to the qualities through which prakriti operates.[73] (2) The fundamental elements that characterize all entities as per the Samkhya philosophy: sattva (purity), rajas (activity), and tamas (inertia).[74]
From: The Sarva-Darsana-Samgraha
(1) Goodness, activity, and darkness; fundamental qualities designated in the Sankhya philosophy that characterize different aspects of existence.[75]
From: Shishupala-vadha (Study)
(1) The three qualities refer to the natural attributes of Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas, which influence the soul's experience in the body.[76]
From: Prem Sagar (English translation)
(1) Referring to the qualities of truth, passion, and darkness that are believed to shape the universe and human experience.[77]
From: Vastu-shastra (Introduction to Indian architecture)
(1) Referring to superior, medium, and inferior architectural styles as mentioned in the description of the temples.[78]
From: Sahitya-kaumudi by Baladeva Vidyabhushana
(1) The three qualities referred to are madhurya, ojas, and prasada, which are significant in the construction of phonetic elements.[79]
From: Sushruta Samhita, Volume 6: Uttara-tantra
(1) Refers to Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas, which are linked to the three Doshas in Ayurveda.[80]
From: Varahi Tantra (English Study)
(1) The distinct attributes governing creation and existence identified as rajoguna, sattvaguna, and tamoguna, each presided over by Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesha respectively.[81]
From: Parama Samhita (English translation)
(1) The mental attributes of interest (shraddha), firmness (dhriti), and tranquility (prasada) that guide one’s conduct.[82]
The concept of Three qualities in local and regional sources
The term "Three qualities" signifies fundamental attributes impacting actions and perceptions, which the subject transcends, indicating its liberation from these traits and emphasizing the Lord's existence beyond these defining qualities.
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) Refers to the distinct attributes of existence, suggesting that the Lord transcends these qualities.[83] (2) Refers to the fundamental qualities that influence actions and perceptions in the world, which the subject is free from.[84]