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Significance of Three

The keyphrase "Three" refers to various significances across multiple contexts in Hinduism and culture. In Vaishnavism, it denotes a group confronted by Balarama, while in Purana, it represents the trinity of Dharma, Artha, and Kama. Yoga highlights the practices of concentration, meditation, and trance as intimate methods of achieving Cognitive Trance. Additionally, in Vedanta and Dharmashastra, it embodies concepts of libations, ignorance, and the roles of significant entities. Across cultures, the number three symbolizes a state of balance and unity.1
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Synonyms: Triplet, Triad

In Dutch: Drie; In Finnish: Kolme; In Spanish: Tres; In German: Drei

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Hindu concept of 'Three'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, "Three" symbolizes a trinity of Dharma, Artha, and Kama, while also representing ignorance, mental states for Cognitive Trance, and various components in contexts of contrasts and processes, emphasizing the multifaceted significance of the number.

Significance in Dharmashastra (religious law):
Dharmashastra Books

From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi

(1) Refers to the three components involved in the process of employing expedients: the employer, the expedients, and the intended ends.[1] (2) Refers to three significant entities—the Kshatriya, the snake, and the Brahmana—that have the power to destroy a man, each through different means.[2]

Dharmashastra contains the instructions (shastra) regarding religious conduct of livelihood (dharma), ceremonies, jurisprudence (study of law) and more. It is categorized as smriti, an important and authoritative selection of books dealing with the Hindu lifestyle.

Significance in Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika

(1) Refers to ignorance, error, and doubt, which are not possible regarding the knower.[3]

From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)

(1) The three refers to the three libations, and the use of the three libations in the Taittiriyaka is different from the Chandogya.[4]

Vedanta refers to a school of orthodox Hindu philosophy (astika), drawing its subject-matter from the Upanishads. There are a number of sub-schools of Vedanta, however all of them expound on the basic teaching of the ultimate reality (brahman) and liberation (moksha) of the individual soul (atman).

Significance in Yoga (school of philosophy):
Yoga Books

From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)

(1) The three refers to concentration, meditation, and trance, which are described as more intimate means of achieving Cognitive Trance than the preceding five.[5]

Yoga is originally considered a branch of Hindu philosophy (astika), but both ancient and modern Yoga combine the physical, mental and spiritual. Yoga teaches various physical techniques also known as asanas (postures), used for various purposes (eg., meditation, contemplation, relaxation).

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

From: Devi Bhagavata Purana

(1) A representation of the trinity in Hinduism, encompassing Dharma (righteousness), Artha (prosperity), and Kama (desire).[6]

The Purana 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.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Garga Samhita (English)

(1) Refers to Paundraka, Jarasandha, and Viduratha collectively as a group that Balarama confronted.[7]

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (‘ten avatars of Vishnu�).

The concept of Three in local and regional sources

History Books

The keyphrase "Three" symbolizes a trinity or balance among three entities, reflecting its significance in various cultures. It connects to Gorky's work by illustrating themes of unity and societal exploration through a character's pursuit of acceptance.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Triveni Journal

(1) Often signifies a trinity or a state of balance among three entities.[8] (2) The number three has been regarded as significant and mystic across various cultures and beliefs, representing a concept of trinity or unity in various forms, such as dimensions of space and states of matter.[9] (3) Another of Gorky's early works released in 1901, focusing on themes of frustration and tragic consequences, following the journey of a character seeking societal acceptance.[10]

From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda

(1) The three are more internal than those that precede, which are Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi, and when a man has attained to them, he may attain to omniscience and omnipotence.[11] (2) This refers to the three stages of Vedanta philosophy, the Dvaita, Vishishtadvaita, and Advaita, representing the progression of spiritual growth.[12]