Tam Thi

Tam Thi là một trong ba vị thần trong tín ngưỡng dân gian.

Definition

1. Proper Noun:
   • Tam Thi: A term from Vietnamese folk belief and mythology, referring to a group of three malevolent spirits or demons that are believed to reside within the human body. They are often mentioned in conjunction with the "Tam Bành" (Three Corpses), with "Tam Thi" and "Tam Bành" being considered synonymous or closely related concepts. These spirits are thought to report a person's wrongdoings to celestial authorities, causing harm and shortening lifespan.

Usage Examples

• Proper Noun:
  • Theo truyền thuyết, Tam Thi là những ác thần trú ngụ trong cơ thể. (According to legend, the Tam Thi are evil spirits residing in the body.)
  • Người xưa tin rằng phải tu dưỡng đạo đức để trấn áp Tam Thi. (The ancients believed one must cultivate virtue to suppress the Tam Thi.)

Advanced Usage

• The concept is primarily used in contexts relating to traditional folk religion, Taoist-inspired beliefs, and discussions of morality, where these spirits symbolize internal temptations or vices.
• It is almost exclusively used in a fixed, nominal form.

Variants and Related Words

• Tam Bành (Three Corpses): The more common term, used interchangeably with "Tam Thi" to refer to the same trio of harmful body spirits.

Synonyms

• The Three Corpses: A direct translation of "Tam Bành," the synonymous term.
• Malevolent body spirits: A descriptive synonym.

Related Cultural Concepts

• Thất Tình (Seven Emotions) & Lục Dục (Six Desires): Often discussed in similar moral or spiritual contexts about internal forces affecting human behavior and spiritual purity.
• Thần Hộ Mệnh (Guardian Spirit): Contrasted concept of a protective spiritual entity.