Significance of Three times
Synonyms: Thrice, Threefold, Triple
In Dutch: Drie keer; In Finnish: Kolme kertaa; In Spanish: Tres veces; In German: Dreimal; In Swedish: Tre gånger; In Malay: Tiga kali; In French: Trois fois; In Polish: Trzykrotnie; In Italian: Tre volte; In Portugese: Três vezes
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 times'
The keyphrase "Three times" in Buddhism refers to the past, present, and future, encompassing moral conduct, the unchanging nature of mind, and the timelessness of Buddha's teachings while highlighting the importance of practice across all temporal dimensions.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) From their first resolution, the bodhisattvas pronounce the great vow and honor all the Buddhas of this and the ten directions.[1] (2) The dharmas of the three times pass from the future to the present, and from the present to the past without deteriorating, but this is contrasted with other texts, demonstrating conflicting views.[2] (3) Feelings are considered in the context of the past, future, and present, recognizing their impermanence.[3] (4) This concept refers to the dharmas that exist across past, present, and future, which are examined in conjunction with the Buddhas of the ten directions, both of which are without marks.[4] (5) This refers to the past, future, and present, and the Gridhrakutaparvata is the residence of the Buddhas of these three times, and the Buddhas and bodhisattvas of the three times praise and honor this place.[5]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) Bodhicitta causes masses of beings throughout all the three times to attain benefits and supreme bliss.[6] (2) The Buddha's wisdom body is not subject to the confines of time and space but permeates all dimensions and the past, present and future.[7] (3) A buddha knows everything throughout the three times and the ten directions.[8] (4) The Buddha, however, can perceive in actuality every detail within countless trichiliocosms throughout the three times.[9] (5) The wisdom mind of the perfectly enlightened Buddha permeates the minds of all sentient beings throughout the three times, not excluding a single one, as described in the text, highlighting its pervasiveness.[10]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) There can be Nothing such as "is" that obtains In the Three Times, and it is said in a gatha in the sutra.[11] (2) Then King Ajatasatru and all the people of the state of Magadha stood up from their seats, walked around the Buddha three times, drew back, and returned to the palace, which suggests the action was a sign of respect.[12] (3) No one surpasses the Buddhas of these.[13] (4) These refer to the past, present, and future, and sins pass in these three times.[14] (5) This term refers to the past, present, and future, and it is a concept used to describe the nature of reality and the Buddha-Nature.[15]
From: Akshayamatinirdesha [english]
(1) Unattached knowledge of the three times through remembering earlier places of birth is a form of expedient means, which provides insight into the past, present, and future.[16] (2) This pertains to the knowledge of how words are distributed in the past and future, providing a comprehensive understanding of the temporal dimension of vocal expressions, excluding the present.[17] (3) The conceptual framework encompassing past, present, and future, and the awareness of their emptiness regarding existential moments.[18]
From: Avatamsaka Sutra (flower adornment sutra)—Preface
(1) The three times signify the past, present, and future, and represent the timeless nature of refuge in Buddhism where all Buddhas can be approached across time.[19]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) After scattering celestial powders and blossoms and offering praises, the devas salute the Bodhisattva's mother three times from the right, demonstrating their respect and reverence before departing.[20]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) It is related to the empty pervasion and ground of the ceaseless appearance of variety.[21] (2) The text mentions the three times, and the mind becomes the source of the jewel of the buddhas of the three times and their sons.[22] (3) A reference to the past, present, and future, relating to the conventional perception of existence.[23] (4) The specific number of times that certain prayers or requests are to be repeated.[24] (5) Refers to the past, present, and future, within which the victorious ones have attained peace.[25]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) Three times is when the burst out of rut (or madness) happens from three places.[26]
From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)
(1) Refers to past, present, and future as the temporal aspects of the Wheel of Becoming, with specific factors linked to each time.[27]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (1): Bhikkhu-vibhanga (the analysis of Monks’ rules)
(1) The maximum number of requests a monk can make for a robe before incurring an offence.[28]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (2): Bhikkhuni-vibhanga (the analysis of Nun’ rules)
(1) Indicates the number of times a nun should be admonished to give up imitating an inappropriate monk.[29]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) Three times is how many times the Bodhisatta roared.[30]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (3): Khandhaka
(1) Three times refers to the number of times a motion and resolution are put forward in certain formal acts, and the correct procedure for this repetition is crucial for the act's validity.[31]
Hindu concept of 'Three times'
In Hinduism, "Three times" signifies various pivotal concepts including ritual repetitions, the significance of time (past, present, future), and the number of recitations essential for spiritual practices and purification, reflecting the holistic nature of spiritual and temporal experiences.
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The ratio indicating that the pasture-space around the town should be three times larger than that around the village.[32] (2) The three conditions that are observed: equilibrium, increase and decrease.[33] (3) The specific number of recitations required of the Rik, Yajush, or Saman texts for absolution from sins.[34] (4) Refers to the designated times of eating during the Atikricchra penance, specifically noted as three separate periods of three days.[35] (5) This indicates how much the defiled maiden should receive from the offending maiden, based on the defiled maiden's worth.[36]
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) Referring to the number of times each sprinkling with the formula is to be performed in the ritual.[37] (2) Refers to the ritualistic repetition of certain phrases, emphasized in the practice to create spiritual resonance.[38] (3) The frequency with which the citravasu and arvagvasu formulas should be recited.[39] (4) Having gone around three times, he should keep down the fire-brand.[40] (5) The action the immolator should perform related to shaking the organs.[41]
From: Asvalayana-grihya-sutra
(1) The bride is led around the fire and water-pot three times, which is a specific number of repetitions in the ritual.[42] (2) The frequency with which the ritual practitioner parts the hair upwards, emphasizing repetition in rituals.[43] (3) A recurring number in the ritual practices, possibly symbolizing completeness or a certain tradition in performing certain actions repetitively.[44] (4) A specified number of times the participants walk around the fire, symbolizing respect and ritual diligence.[45] (5) A reference to a ritual practice emphasizing repetition and reverence in the act of self-anointing with splendour.[46]
From: Paraskara-grihya-sutra
(1) Certain actions, like shaving around the head, are performed three times, following a specific direction from left to right.[47] (2) A ritualistic repetition indicating the importance and seriousness of the action performed.[48] (3) Indicates a specific number of repetitions that enhance the intensity or seriousness of the ritual actions.[49] (4) A repetition of the act of leading the bride around the fire, which signifies the strengthening of the marital bond.[50]
From: Gobhila-grihya-sutra
(1) The repetition of certain actions in the ritual, emphasizing tradition and significance in the ceremony.[51]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The continuum of present, past, and future, which captures the entirety of existence and is integral to the understanding of Om.[52] (2) The conceptualization of past, present, and future that influences Brahma's reflections and creations.[53] (3) The representation of past, present, and future as perceived by Lila after gaining knowledge of yoga.[54] (4) The concept of past, present, and future, which becomes clear through the knowledge of a singular reality.[55] (5) A reference to Bhusunda's ability to perceive the past, present, and future.[56]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) The prescribed number of recitations of the hymn that will purportedly ensure victory.[57]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) A reference to the concept of time, likely related to auspiciousness or destiny in the context of naming Dama.[58]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 4: Iatrochemistry
(1) Indicates the number of times the bhavana process should be conducted to ensure proper mixture and efficacy.[59] (2) Indicates the number of times the ingredients are to be rubbed together during the preparation of the remedy.[60] (3) Refers to the frequency with which the compound is subjected to bhavana, emphasizing the importance of the process.[61] (4) Indicating the frequency of the bhavana process to be done thrice.[62] (5) The number of times the bhavana process is to be performed with the juice of black jira.[63]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 3: Metals, Gems and other substances
(1) The number of times silver should be melted for purification with lead and borax.[64] (2) The specific number of applications required for the grass to be effective in curing headaches.[65] (3) A specific frequency of repetition mentioned in several purification processes for optimal results.[66]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 2: Minerals (uparasa)
(1) The substance is dissolved with kushmanda juice or sour curd for this many times in the final process.[67] (2) The number of repetitions for which Bimala is subjected to Gaja-puta in the second process of incineration.[68]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 1: Initiation, Mercury and Laboratory
(1) This is the number of times a kanta iron samputa is burnt by laghuputa with a kanya leaf inside.[69]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Specifies the number of times Shri Gaurasundara clapped his hands, which may emphasize the importance of the action.[70] (2) Indicates the frequency of the action performed by Shrivasa, emphasizing the importance or particularity of the moment.[71] (3) Refers to the instances when offerings were made to Bala-gopala and consumed by Gaurasundara.[72] (4) A reference to an action, likely implying that by giving something three times, full satisfaction can be achieved.[73] (5) Refers to the number of occasions on which the speaker has been defeated.[74]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Indicates the specific number of times Brahma performed the act of bowing down.[75] (2) A specific number of times indicating a ritualistic act of bowing down.[76]
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) This is the number of times all should pray to Rudra with the formula, emphasizing the repetition in the ritual act.[77] (2) The grains are pounded three times, and the preparer is told to be threshed three times, as stated in the text.[78] (3) The sacrificer should smell something this many times during the ritual, using a specific formula.[79]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) Represents the conceptual framework of time that is perceived differently by big or small objects, yet remains unchanged when considering the whole.[80] (2) A reference to the temporal states or phases of the different wholes, suggesting that despite variations in parts, the fundamental timing remains unchanged.[81]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) The number of repetitions of the phrase 'I am food' aimed at creating confidence.[82]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) Referring to past, present, and future, this idea highlights the temporal limitations of Jivas compared to Brahman.[83]
From: Shakti and Shakta
(1) The Real must be absolutely changeless in all the “three times,” which absolutely continues through all the changes of experience.[84]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) Gomukha possesses knowledge of the three times, which is a sign of his supernatural powers.[85]
Jain concept of 'Three times'
In Jainism, "Three times" symbolizes the King’s strength in striking mountains, representing the concept of time (past, present, future), and reflects devotion through Shakra and Bhagiratha's three circumambulations of the muni.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Bhagiratha circumambulated the muni three times, showing devotion, respect, and reverence towards the muni.[86] (2) The number of times that Shakra circumambulated him and bowed with his head (touching the ground).[87] (3) The number of times the King struck the mountains with the end of his chariot, symbolizing his strength.[88] (4) A reference to the past, present, and future, highlighting the Master’s supposed omniscience.[89]
The concept of Three times in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Three times" signifies three distinct contexts: the repetition of Rama's name for healing, a specific number of chant repetitions for spiritual benefits, and the scholar's multiple trips for a book search, indicating persistence in seeking solutions.
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) The number of times the people were instructed to repeat the name of Rama, which Padmanabh suggested for healing purposes.[90] (2) The specific number of repetitions of the name 'Rama' suggested as a potent practice for achieving spiritual and physical healing.[91]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The number of times the scholar had to go between floors for a book search, which prompted the scholar to seek solutions.[92]
The concept of Three times in scientific sources
Three times, according to the text, is not a measure of frequency but a philosophical concept. It refers to three distinct perspectives of the present: past, present, and future.
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) The three times refers to the past, present and future, and when beginning practice, it is important not to get distracted by thoughts of the "three times", even though the primordial State is beyond their limits.[93] (2) We might properly say there are three times: a present-of-things-past, a present-of-things-present, and a present-of-things-future.[94]
Classical concept of 'Three times'
From: The History of Herodotus
(1) Three times the king leapt up from his seat, struck with fear for his army after witnessing the heavy losses they sustained in their attacks.[95]