Three worlds, Three realms: 4 definitions
Introduction:
Three worlds means something in Buddhism, Pali, Hinduism, Sanskrit. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.
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In Hinduism
Purana and Itihasa (epic history)
Source: Wisdom Library: The Brahmāṇḍa-purāṇaThree Worlds or trailokya refers to Bhūta (past), Bhavya (future) and Bhavat (present), according to the Brahmāṇḍa-purāṇa 2.38. Accordingly, “The Indras of all the Manvantaras of the past (bhūta), present (bhavat) and future (bhavya) should be known as having equal (similar) characteristic features. [...] It is remembered by the Brāhmaṇas that Bhūta, Bhavya and Bhavat are the three worlds. This Bhūrloka (Earth) is remembered as Bhūta; the Antarīkṣa (Atmosphere) is remembered as Bhavat. The Diva (Heaven) is remembered as Bhavya”.
The Purana (पुराण, purāṇas) refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.
In Buddhism
Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism)
Source: Google Books: The Crystal Mirror of Philosophical SystemsThe Three Worlds (which together constitute the Buddhist samsaric cosmos) are known in Tibetan as khams gsum.—Accordingly, [while describing the standpoints of the extremists], [regarding the Brahmavādins]: The Vedāntins, or Highest Brahmans, assert an entity called the person. This is the “person” explained in the Vedas, which are the source of valid cognition; [...]. That person is the self-nature of the gods and also the nature of Maheśvara. From that person alone are produced all the Three Worlds, happiness and suffering, and bondage and freedom. However, the nature of the person itself is unchanging and inexhaustible. [...]
The Three Worlds are:
- the world (or realm) of desire,
- the world (or realm) of form, and
- the world (or realm) of formlessness.
Tibetan Buddhism includes schools such as Nyingma, Kadampa, Kagyu and Gelug. Their primary canon of literature is divided in two broad categories: The Kangyur, which consists of Buddha’s words, and the Tengyur, which includes commentaries from various sources. Esotericism and tantra techniques (vajrayāna) are collected indepently.
General definition (in Buddhism)
Source: Google Books: the literature of the personalists of early buddhismThe Three Worlds include all living beings up to those who have attained parinirvāṇa without a remainder (nirupadhiśeṣa) and consists of:
- the elements of the world of desire (kāmadhātu);
- the elements of the world of subtle form (rūpadhātu); and
- the elements of the formless world (ārūpyadhātu).
Sanskrit word is Triloka. It is Buddhist metaphysical equivalence for the triple world of earth, atmosphere and heaven. 1. Realm of Sensusous Desire (Sanskrit word is Kamadhatu) of sex and food. It includes the Six Heavens of Desire, the Human World and the Hells. 2. Realm of Form (Sanskrit word is Rupaadhatu) of matter which is substantial and resistant. It is a semi material conception. It is above the lust world and contains bodies, places and things, all mystic and wonderful. It consists of 18 heavens, including the Heavens of Four Zen (Sanskrit word is Brahmalokas). 3. Realm of Formlessness (Sanskrit word is Arupadhatu) of pure spirit, where there are no bodies and matters to which human terms would apply, but where the mind dwells in mystic contemplation; its extent is indefinable, but it is conceived of in Four Stages/Places of Emptiness in the immaterial world. It has four heavens, in which the Sphere/heaven of neither perception nor non perception is the highest.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Partial matches: World, The, The, Realm, Three, Te.
Full-text (+1663): Tribhuvana, Trailokya, Triloka, Jagattraya, Bhuvanatraya, Trijagat, Lokatraya, Triloki, Bhavitra, Tibhavabhinissata, Trivikrama, Trailokyarajya, Tribhava, Traidhatuka, Tilokasaranuttama, Tilokatilaka, Lokajettha, Lokattayasami, Tilokamahita, Lokanittharanesi.
Relevant text
Search found 320 books and stories containing Three worlds, The three realms, The triple realm, The triple world, Three realms, Triple realm, Triple world, Triple worlds; (plurals include: Three worldses, The three realmses, The triple realms, The triple worlds, Three realmses, Triple realms, Triple worlds, Triple worldses). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English) (by Hsuan Hua)
Concluding exhortation to transmit this teaching < [Chapter 8 - The Arising and Cessation of the Five Skandhas]
Those whose conditions are opportune obtain benefit < [Chapter 3 - The Names of the Sutra]
Thirty-two response bodies < [Chapter 2 - Twenty-five Means to Enlightenment]
Lotus Sutra (by Tsugunari Kubo)
Vimalakirti Sutra (by John R. McRae)
Chapter V - Mañjuśrī’s Condolence Visit < [Fascicle Two]
Chapter II - Skillful Means < [Fascicle One]
Rig Veda (translation and commentary) (by H. H. Wilson)
The Great Chariot (by Longchenpa)
Part 3 - The path of seeing < [C. The stages of the paths of meditation on this]
Part 1 - How peace is attained < [B. The explanation of the kayas and wisdoms]
Part 4c - The accompanying samaya and action/practice < [B. The explanation of meditation practice]
A Heart Released (by Phra Ajaan Mun Bhuridatta Thera)
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