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Three Pure Ones

Three Pure Ones

9.9
The three highest gods in Taoism who represent the pure form of the Tao
  • proper noun
  • Literature
translation icon : Tres Puros
  • The Three Pure Ones are central figures in traditional Taoist temples and rituals.

Examples

  • Many Taoist practitioners honor the Three Pure Ones during major religious festivals.

  • Legends describe the Three Pure Ones as manifestations of the purest forms of the Tao.

  • The Three Pure Ones are revered.

  • People pray to the Three Pure Ones.

  • Many Taoist practitioners honor the Three Pure Ones during major religious festivals.

  • The Three Pure Ones are central figures in traditional Taoist temples and rituals.

  • Legends describe the Three Pure Ones as manifestations of the purest forms of the Tao.

Synonyms

Taoist Trinity
vsThree Pure Ones
9.9

Three important gods in Taoism who represent the world and the path to spiritual life

has identical meaning but uses a different English label

Surface Forms

Morphology

three + pure + one

The literal components ('three' + 'pure' + 'ones') transparently yield the notion of 'three pure persons/ beings', so a learner can infer a general sense of three sacred or pure figures. However, the specific reference to the canonical trio of supreme deities in Taoism is culturally specific and not predictable from the words alone, so knowledge of the religious term requires prior exposure.

Etymology

Three Pure Ones comes from old Chinese Taoist stories where the highest power appears as three 'pure' beings, simple and clear forms of the 'Tao'. That's why this name is used for the top gods in Taoism.