Significance of Three times
In various spiritual traditions, the term "Three times" encompasses the concepts of past, present, and future, highlighting the continuity and interconnectedness of existence. In Buddhism, it signifies both a practice of repetition in prayers and a reflection on timelessness, demonstrating how enlightenment transcends temporal limitations. This concept is also echoed across Jainism, Tibetan Buddhism, Vaishnavism, and other philosophical frameworks, each interpreting "Three times" to emphasize actions, teachings, and the nature of reality across different temporal dimensions.
Synonyms: Threefold
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'
In Buddhism, "Three times" encapsulates the past, present, and future, representing the timeless wisdom of Buddhas. This concept signifies the interconnectedness of all temporal realms, emphasizing enlightenment and the continuous nature of existence and compassion.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Refers to the various states of concentration (past, present, future) that a bodhisattva can master.[1] (2) Refers to the past, present, and future in Buddhist cosmology.[2] (3) Refers to the past, present, and future, illustrating that moral conduct encompasses all temporal aspects.[3] (4) A concept referring to the past, present, and future in relation to the Buddhas and their teachings.[4] (5) Conceptual framework referring to past, present, and future in relation to actions and consequences.[5]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) The past, present, and future time frames in which buddhas are believed to have taught, are currently teaching, and will continue to teach.[6] (2) A phrase referring to the past, present, and future, indicating that Sanskrit was spoken by buddhas across all those periods.[7]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) Past, present, and future as different planes through which existence is understood and engaged.[8]
From: Mulamadhyamaka-karika (English)
(1) Refers to the past, present, and future as a framework within which the continuity of becoming is questioned.[9]
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.[10]
From: Karandavyuha Sutra
(1) Referring to the past, present, and future, indicating that the wisdom of the Buddhas spans all temporal realms.[11]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) A reference to the past, present, and future, relating to the conventional perception of existence.[12] (2) The specific number of times that certain prayers or requests are to be repeated.[13] (3) Refers to the past, present, and future, within which the victorious ones have attained peace.[14] (4) A reference to past, present, and future, indicating a holistic view of existence in relation to compassion and suffering.[15] (5) A practice that involves repeating a statement or prayer three times for emphasis and sincerity.[16]
From: Guhyagarbha Tantra (with Commentary)
(1) Referring to the past, present, and future as they relate to the indestructible reality of mind.[17] (2) Refers to the past, present, and future, which are comprehended by enlightened beings known as conquerors.[18] (3) Refers to the past, present, and future, along with the eternal nature of reality.[19] (4) Refers to the continuity of reality, encompassing past, present, and future within the context of primordial reality.[20] (5) The concept of past, present, and future as it relates to the presence and perception of all Buddhas.[21]
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.[22]
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.[23]
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.[24]
Hindu concept of 'Three times'
In Hinduism, "Three times" symbolizes the past, present, and future, emphasizing temporal awareness. It reflects generosity in giving, ritualistic practices, and the significance of repetition across various spiritual and cultural contexts.
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.[25] (2) The three conditions that are observed: equilibrium, increase and decrease.[26] (3) The specific number of recitations required of the Rik, Yajush, or Saman texts for absolution from sins.[27] (4) Refers to the designated times of eating during the Atikricchra penance, specifically noted as three separate periods of three days.[28] (5) This indicates how much the defiled maiden should receive from the offending maiden, based on the defiled maiden's worth.[29]
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) Referring to the number of times each sprinkling with the formula is to be performed in the ritual.[30] (2) Refers to the ritualistic repetition of certain phrases, emphasized in the practice to create spiritual resonance.[31] (3) The frequency with which the citravasu and arvagvasu formulas should be recited.[32] (4) Having gone around three times, he should keep down the fire-brand.[33] (5) The action the immolator should perform related to shaking the organs.[34]
From: Asvalayana-grihya-sutra
(1) The frequency with which the ritual practitioner parts the hair upwards, emphasizing repetition in rituals.[35] (2) A recurring number in the ritual practices, possibly symbolizing completeness or a certain tradition in performing certain actions repetitively.[36] (3) A specified number of times the participants walk around the fire, symbolizing respect and ritual diligence.[37] (4) A reference to a ritual practice emphasizing repetition and reverence in the act of self-anointing with splendour.[38]
From: Paraskara-grihya-sutra
(1) A ritualistic repetition indicating the importance and seriousness of the action performed.[39] (2) Indicates a specific number of repetitions that enhance the intensity or seriousness of the ritual actions.[40] (3) A repetition of the act of leading the bride around the fire, which signifies the strengthening of the marital bond.[41]
From: Gobhila-grihya-sutra
(1) The repetition of certain actions in the ritual, emphasizing tradition and significance in the ceremony.[42]
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.[43] (2) The conceptualization of past, present, and future that influences Brahma's reflections and creations.[44] (3) The representation of past, present, and future as perceived by Lila after gaining knowledge of yoga.[45] (4) The concept of past, present, and future, which becomes clear through the knowledge of a singular reality.[46] (5) A reference to Bhusunda's ability to perceive the past, present, and future.[47]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Referring to the times of day (morning, midday, evening) when ablutions are performed in the sacred rituals.[48] (2) Indicates the number of times the descendant of Ikshvaku was reborn in lesser forms due to their actions.[49]
From: Padma Purana
(1) Referring to the past, present, and future; denotes a comprehensive understanding of time and existence by those wise in Dharma.[50] (2) Refers to the past, present, and future; a concept often utilized in discussions of time and existence.[51]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) Refers to the past, present, and future in the context of the eternal and attributeless nature of the lord.[52]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) The prescribed number of recitations of the hymn that will purportedly ensure victory.[53]
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.[54] (2) Indicates the number of times the ingredients are to be rubbed together during the preparation of the remedy.[55] (3) Refers to the frequency with which the compound is subjected to bhavana, emphasizing the importance of the process.[56] (4) Indicating the frequency of the bhavana process to be done thrice.[57] (5) The number of times the bhavana process is to be performed with the juice of black jira.[58]
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.[59] (2) The specific number of applications required for the grass to be effective in curing headaches.[60] (3) A specific frequency of repetition mentioned in several purification processes for optimal results.[61]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 2: Minerals (uparasa)
(1) The number of repetitions for which Bimala is subjected to Gaja-puta in the second process of incineration.[62]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Specifies the number of times Shri Gaurasundara clapped his hands, which may emphasize the importance of the action.[63] (2) Indicates the frequency of the action performed by Shrivasa, emphasizing the importance or particularity of the moment.[64] (3) Refers to the instances when offerings were made to Bala-gopala and consumed by Gaurasundara.[65] (4) A reference to an action, likely implying that by giving something three times, full satisfaction can be achieved.[66] (5) Refers to the number of occasions on which the speaker has been defeated.[67]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Indicates the specific number of times Brahma performed the act of bowing down.[68] (2) A specific number of times indicating a ritualistic act of bowing down.[69]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) Denotes the different states or aspects of objects that remain the same for all, as the whole is considered uniform.[70] (2) A reference to the temporal states or phases of the different wholes, suggesting that despite variations in parts, the fundamental timing remains unchanged.[71]
From: Kavyamimamsa of Rajasekhara (Study)
(1) The concept relating to the past, present, and future experiences that poets draw from in their works.[72]
From: Sahitya-kaumudi by Baladeva Vidyabhushana
(1) The number of times Bhima kicked Shishupala violently.[73]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) The number of repetitions of the phrase 'I am food' aimed at creating confidence.[74]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) Referring to past, present, and future, this idea highlights the temporal limitations of Jivas compared to Brahman.[75]
Jain concept of 'Three times'
In Jainism, "Three times" symbolizes strength through the King's chariot striking mountains and signifies the concepts of past, present, and future, emphasizing the Master’s omniscience across all temporal dimensions.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) The number of times the King struck the mountains with the end of his chariot, symbolizing his strength.[76] (2) A reference to the past, present, and future, highlighting the Master’s supposed omniscience.[77]
The concept of Three times in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Three times" signifies the recommended practice of repeating the name 'Rama' thrice, as suggested by Padmanabh, for enhancing spiritual and physical healing, emphasizing its importance in the healing process.
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.[78] (2) The specific number of repetitions of the name 'Rama' suggested as a potent practice for achieving spiritual and physical healing.[79]