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==== Importance of Three ====

==== Importance of Three ====

The concept of the triad or trinity can be found throughout the world in all dimensions of life and been in use across civilizations and cultures since time immemorial. It can be understood as a key to the integrity and interdependence of all existence. The ideas of concepts of three can found in philosophy, mathematics, physics, etc. in ancient as well as modern times.  

The concept of the Triad or Trinity can be found throughout the world in all dimensions of life and been in use across civilizations and cultures since time immemorial. It can be understood as a key to the integrity and interdependence of all existence. The ideas of concepts of three can found in philosophy, mathematics, physics, etc. in ancient as well as modern times.  

In Hinduism, the number three has great importance in religious studies as well as in rituals and various vedic texts since the number symbolizes the Holy Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva (or Mahesh) and their associated powers (also considered the universal order) of creation, preservation, and destruction respectively. From the viewpoint of creation, one is God, the second is prakriti, and together they manifest the rest of the creation. The triad or trinity also symbolizes the unity of body, mind and spirit. Number three is referenced very frequently, and the various triads described in vedic texts include:

In Hinduism, the number three has great importance in religious studies as well as in rituals and various vedic texts since the number symbolizes the Holy Trinity of ''Brahma, Vishnu,'' and ''Shiva'' (or ''Mahesh'') and their associated powers (also considered the universal order) of creation, preservation, and destruction respectively. From the viewpoint of creation, one is God, the second is ''prakriti'', and together they manifest the rest of the creation. The Triad or Trinity also symbolizes the unity of body, mind and spirit. Number three is referenced very frequently, and the various triads described in vedic texts include:

* Three qualities or guna of mind: Sattva, rajas and tamas

* Three qualities or ''guna'' of mind: ''Sattva, rajas'' and ''tamas''

* Three layers of nature: Light, fire, and darkness

* Three layers of nature: Light, fire, and darkness

* Three states of being: Immanent, transcendent, and the absolute

* Three states of being: Immanent, transcendent, and the absolute

* Three divisions of time: Past, present, and future

* Three divisions of time: Past, present, and future

* Three periods of day: Morning, noon, and evening

* Three periods of day: Morning, noon, and evening

* Three worlds: Bhuh (earth), bhuvah (atmosphere), and swahah (heaven)

* Three worlds: ''Bhuh'' (earth), ''bhuvah'' (atmosphere), and ''swahah'' (heaven)

* Three phases of life: Childhood, adulthood, and old age

* Three phases of life: Childhood, adulthood, and old age

* Three paths of self-realization: Jnana (path of knowledge), bhakti (path of love or devotion), and karma (path of action)

* Three paths of self-realization: ''Jnana'' (path of knowledge), ''bhakti'' (path of love or devotion), and ''karma'' (path of action)

* Types of breath: Puraka (inhalation), kumbhaka (retention), and rechaka (exhalation)

* Types of breath: ''Puraka'' (inhalation), ''kumbhaka'' (retention), and ''rechaka'' (exhalation)

* Three steps of Vishnu in Vamanavatar (or in his Vamana incarnation)

* Three steps of Vishnu in ''Vamanavatar'' (or in his ''Vamana'' incarnation)

* Three syllables of AUM, the sacred vedic symbol representing three states of consciousness, possessing three hidden sounds that represent the primordial sound waves that predated the creation of the universe. A detailed study of Aum( ) is available in the Mandukya Upanishad

* Three syllables of AUM, the sacred ''vedic'' symbol representing three states of consciousness, possessing three hidden sounds that represent the primordial sound waves that predated the creation of the universe. A detailed study of Aum( ) is available in the ''Mandukya Upanishad''

* Three duties of the brahmin: Worship of the deity, study of the vedas, and the giving of charity

* Three duties of the ''Brahmin'': Worship of the deity, study of the ''vedas'', and the giving of charity

* Triple control: thoughts, words, and deed

* Triple control: thoughts, words, and deed

* Three lines of sacred ash worn by shaivites (or the followers of Shiva) on their foreheads

* Three lines of sacred ash worn by ''shaivites'' (or the followers of Shiva) on their foreheads

==== Categories of three mentioned in Vedanta ====

==== Categories of three mentioned in Vedanta ====