IS THERE SOMETHING SACRED ABOUT THREE?

Akhil Gupta, Founder UEF

The number three appears with surprising frequency across the vast tapestry of religions. Far from coincidence, this recurrence hints at a more profound significance, a universal language woven into the fabric of human belief.This mystical number is embedded deeply in the sacred texts, rituals, and beliefs of many faiths, highlighting its universal spiritual importance.

One prominent theme associated with three is the concept of realms or planes of existence. Many traditions posit a tripartite cosmos: a physical realm, a spiritual realm, and an intermediary world. Christianity speaks of Heaven, Hell, and Earth. Hinduism divides the universe into Loka, the physical world, Bhuloka, the earthly realm, and the spiritual realms above. This tripartite structure reflects humanity’s attempt to understand our place within a larger reality.

In Christianity, the number three holds immense significance primarily through the concept of the Holy Trinity, which refers to the belief that God, though One, is manifested in 3 forms: God the Father, God the Son (Jesus), and God the Holy Spirit. The 3 forms coexist as distinct from one another, but each one is understood as God. There are many other 3s in Christianity: the 3 wise men who came to witness the birth of Jesus, the 3 days between Jesus’ death and resurrection, and the 3 Abrahamic Patriarchs, recognized by Judaism and Islam as well: Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

In Hinduism, the Trimurti — comprising Brahma, the creator, Vishnu, the preserver, and Shiva, the destroyer — embodies the cyclical nature of the universe. This trinity of deities signifies the three fundamental forces that sustain and govern existence. Each God represents a different aspect of the divine and cosmic functions, showcasing a balance that maintains the world’s order and continuity.

Similarly, in Buddhism, the Triple Gem or the Three Jewels are central to the faith: the Buddha (the enlightened one), the Dharma (the teachings), and the Sangha (the community). These three elements form the cornerstone of Buddhist practice and devotion. Taking refuge in the Triple Gem is a fundamental step in a Buddhist’s spiritual journey, symbolizing the path to enlightenment.

Islam, while primarily focusing on monotheism, also acknowledges the significance of three in certain practices and beliefs. For example, the ritual of wudu (ablution) involves washing parts of the body three times, signifying thorough purification. Additionally, the concept of the three stages of the soul (nafs) in Sufism — commanding soul, reproachful soul, and peaceful soul — illustrates a journey towards spiritual refinement and closeness to God.

Whether it’s the tripartite structure of heaven, earth, and the underworld in ancient religions or the threefold law in Wicca, the recurrence of this number underscores a universal archetype experienced in our daily lives. There are many groupings of 3 that we’ve used throughout human history to describe and organize the world around us: Past, present, future; length, width, height, small, medium, and large — There are 3 Abrahamic religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. And the religions of Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism are all subdivided into 3 major sects.

Three main sects of Christianity are Catholicism, Protestantism, and Orthodox; Sunni, Shia, and Sufi are the 3 for Islam; Buddhism is also split into 3: Mahayana, Theravada, and Vajrayana; Hinduism has countless sects, but the largest 3 are Vaishnavism, Shaivism, Shaktism.

Hinduism abounds with groupings of 3. Hindus believe in 3 primary gods, which are all manifestations of God, somewhat similar to the Christian Trinity: Brahma, the creator; Vishnu, the nurturer; and Shiva (also known as Mahesh), the destroyer.

Some other threesomes include “Sat, Chit, Annand” (truth, consciousness, bliss), the 3-part description of Brahman, the ultimate reality; the three core values of Satyam, Shivum, Sundaram (truth, godliness, beauty); and the 3 “gunas,” qualities that are present in every individual in different proportions: sattva (goodness, calmness, harmonious), rajas (passion, activity, movement), and tamas (ignorance, inertia, laziness).

Coincidentally, UEF’s insights also point to our deepest longings being only three-Loving, Learning, and playing https://www.uef.org/flourishing-life/

Insightful Quotes on Significance of Three

Christianity

“For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one.”

– 1 John 5:7 (NKJV)

Islam

“Do good deeds properly, sincerely, and moderately…always adopt a middle, moderate, regular course, whereby you will reach your target (of Paradise).”

– Sahih Bukhari, Volume 8,

Hinduism

“There are three gates leading to the hell of self-destruction for the soul: lust, anger, and greed. Every sane man should give these up, for they lead to the degradation of the soul.”

– Bhagavad Gita 16:21

Judaism

“The world rests upon three things: Torah, service to God, and deeds of loving-kindness.” -

– Pirkei Avot 1:2

Daoism

“These three treasures: simplicity, patience, compassion. From these, I derive my wisdom.”

– Tao Te Ching, Chapter 67