tam thế
Definition
- Noun (Buddhist Philosophy):
- The Three Times / The Three Periods of Time: The fundamental Buddhist concept of the three temporal states of existence: past, present, and future. It refers to the cyclical nature of time and existence across lifetimes.
- The Three Worlds / The Three Realms: In some Mahayana Buddhist contexts, it can also refer to the three realms of existence (desire realm, form realm, and formless realm), though the temporal meaning is more common.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Theo giáo lý Phật giáo, chúng sinh luân hồi trong tam thế. (According to Buddhist doctrine, sentient beings transmigrate through the three periods of time.)
- Đức Phật thấu suốt nhân quả của mọi chúng sinh trong tam thế. (The Buddha comprehends the causes and effects of all beings across the three times.)
Advanced Usage
- "tam thế Phật": The Buddhas of the Three Times. This is a common triad in Buddhist iconography and doctrine, representing a Buddha of the past (often Dipankara), the present (Shakyamuni), and the future (Maitreya).
- Trong chùa thờ tượng tam thế Phật. (The temple enshrines statues of the Buddhas of the Three Times.)
Variants and Related Words
- Tam thế gian (n): The three worlds (of past, present, and future).
- Quá khứ, hiện tại, vị lai (n): Past, present, and future (the direct, non-terminological equivalents).
Synonyms
- The Three Periods: A direct translation of the temporal concept.
- Past, Present, and Future: The secular equivalent terms.
Related Concepts
- Luân hồi (Samsara): The cycle of rebirth, which occurs across the "tam thế."
- Nhân quả (Karma/Cause and Effect): Actions in one time period produce effects in another, linking the three times.