Significance of Three days
The concept of "Three days" appears across various spiritual and philosophical traditions, each attributing specific meanings to the duration. In Jainism, it signifies a time spent in particular places. For Vaishnavism, it relates to periods for fasting or spiritual requirements. Purana highlights significant durations for rituals and brotherly connections. Shaktism elaborates on dietary laws, while Dharmashastra specifies timeframes for purity after various life events. Rasashastra focuses on preparation methods, and in different traditions, it notes significant events and rituals associated with the three-day span.
In Dutch: Drie dagen; In Finnish: Kolme päivää; In Spanish: Tres días; In German: Drei Tage; In Malay: Tiga hari; In Swedish: Tre dagar; In French: Trois jours
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 days'
In Buddhism, "Three days" can signify the period a Bhikkhu hides three offenses, or the time Jambuka required to reach arhat status after encountering the Buddha, emphasizing pivotal moments of transformation and revelation.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The time frame within which Jambuka accomplished what was necessary to attain the status of arhat after meeting the Buddha.[1]
From: Vinaya (3): The Cullavagga
(1) A duration of time during which the Bhikkhu concealed three offenses.[2]
Hindu concept of 'Three days'
In Hinduism, "Three days" signifies several important periods, including ritual preparation, spiritual practices, purifications after significant events, and ceremonies, with each interpretation emphasizing the duration needed for various religious and cultural activities.
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 4: Iatrochemistry
(1) The time span for which the compound undergoes bhavana treatment.[3] (2) The duration for which the mixture is to be subjected to bhavana, indicating the time required for the process.[4] (3) The duration for which the ingredients are to be rubbed together with ginger juice, indicating the time-intensive nature of the preparation.[5] (4) The duration for which the ingredients must be rubbed together as part of the preparation process.[6] (5) A specific time frame mentioned for the remedy's ability to cure certain types of fevers.[7]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 2: Minerals (uparasa)
(1) The duration for which lime juice should be taken as a remedy.[8] (2) The duration suggested for boiling Hingula in the fifth purification process.[9] (3) The extended time required for boiling Manas-shila with goat’s urine in one of its purification methods.[10] (4) The duration for which an individual should take jira mixed with sugar to remedy the effects of impure haritala.[11] (5) The duration for which tubari must be immersed in kanji to achieve purification.[12]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 3: Metals, Gems and other substances
(1) The duration for which the pieces are kept immersed in cow's urine during the purification process.[13] (2) The duration for which one should take incinerated gold with haritaki and sugar to remedy the evil effects of unprocessed lead.[14] (3) The time frame for boiling the diamond inside a lime fruit in the fourth purification process.[15]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 1: Initiation, Mercury and Laboratory
(1) The duration specified for the rubbing of mercury when mixed with certain ingredients for purification.[16] (2) The amount of time specified for several boiling processes involving mercury.[17] (3) A specified duration for which mercury is rubbed with various substances for purification.[18]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The period of penance recommended for intentional consumption of certain contaminated foods as detailed in the texts.[19] (2) The period of impurity that follows the birth of a fellow-student, as established by the text.[20] (3) The duration specified for purification after the performance of tonsure, affecting those who have had this ritual conducted.[21] (4) The duration of fasting required when certain forbidden foods are consumed, emphasizing a serious breach of dietary laws.[22] (5) The duration for which the study is omitted during specific ceremonies like Upakarma and Utsarjana.[23]
From: Sankhayana-grihya-sutra
(1) The duration specified for fasting in case of any faults committed during the study.[24] (2) A specific time frame mentioned for the observance of duties.[25]
From: Apastamba Dharma-sutra
(1) The duration after the death of a Guru or immediate relations when study is prohibited.[26]
From: Baudhayana Dharmasutra
(1) The length of time the study of the Veda must be suspended during adverse weather or after significant life events, like death.[27]
From: Paraskara-grihya-sutra
(1) A time duration mentioned in the context of the period allowed for certain activities or rituals.[28]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The duration for which Nityananda remained in the state of ecstasy, suggesting a powerful and transformative experience.[29] (2) A specific period of time mentioned as a timeline for receiving food.[30] (3) The specified duration of fasting that leads to physical weakness, illustrating a time-frame for the effects of starvation.[31]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) A duration specified in the text, indicating the time one must stay in a certain place while following religious practices.[32] (2) Tri-dinam signifies the duration of time, specifically three consecutive days, a prerequisite for the described spiritual benefit.[33]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The duration for which Shri Nanda Maharaja was unable to speak due to his feelings of guilt.[34]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) A time frame after which the breath-wind is believed to change its course completely on the first day of either fortnight.[35] (2) The specified duration for celebrating the Agastyargha-Vrata, directly before the sun transitions into the astrological sign of Virgo.[36]
From: Parama Samhita (English translation)
(1) The period of interval after the installation of God during which certain ceremonies are performed.[37]
Jain concept of 'Three days'
In Jainism, "Three days" symbolizes the period Kakutstha spent in Kubarapura, marking a significant moment of transition before leaving, highlighting the importance of time in spiritual journeys and experiences.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) The duration of stay of Kakutstha, which signifies the time spent at Kubarapura before their departure.[38]
The concept of Three days in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Three days" relates to various contexts in the text, symbolizing significant waiting periods or transitions, from divine communication to personal journeys and transformations, illustrating themes of patience, changes, and the impact of time on characters� experiences.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) A period of time during which the weather was different, offering a reference point for the weather patterns, indicating the duration of a specific weather condition.[39] (2) The duration of the author's stay at the location, where the author had a pleasant experience and taught classes every morning.[40] (3) This indicates the duration of the sender's stay in Detroit, providing context about their travels and their previous location before arriving in New York.[41] (4) The student, in pursuit of their religious understanding, prayed for three days and nights, weeping and without food, seeking a deeper connection.[42]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) The duration during which the characters had not eaten, leading to their wan appearance.[43]
From: Folklore of the Santal Parganas
(1) The duration it took for Sahde Goala and Princess Chandaini to journey home after their wedding.[44]
From: Bede's Ecclesiastical History of England
(1) Three days is how long the monks fasted.[45]
From: The travels of Fa-Hian (400 A.D.)
(1) The duration for which a strange Bhikshu is welcomed and entertained before being encouraged to seek a permanent resting place.[46]
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) The waiting period that the tom-tom beaters allowed to pass before checking on the supposed transformation of the old women.[47]