Triad

Triad is a word to refer to a group of three elements. In philosophy and religion, triads, triangles, and trinities are prominent. H. P. Blavatsky said: "Everywhere antiquity slows an unbounded reverence for the Triad and Triangle--the first geometrical figure."

Absolute triad

In the First Fundamental Proposition of the The Secret Doctrine, Mme. Blavatsky stated that, although the Absolute or Be-ness "is beyond the range and reach of thought" and "devoid of all attributes", it can be symbolized as having two aspects:

This “Be-ness” is symbolised in the Secret Doctrine under two aspects. On the one hand, absolute abstract Space, representing bare subjectivity, the one thing which no human mind can either exclude from any conception, or conceive of by itself. On the other, absolute Abstract Motion representing Unconditioned Consciousness.

Thus, Be-ness, Absolute abstract space, and Absolute abstract motion (also known as the Great Breath) form the "metaphysical triad . . . the Root from which proceeds all manifestation".

Pre-Cosmic triad

Mme. Blavatsky states that at the beginning of the process of manifestation the absolute triad radiates the two basic pre-cosmic principles, which become the cause of the new Cosmos:

Considering this metaphysical triad as the Root from which proceeds all manifestation, the great Breath assumes the character of precosmic Ideation. It is the fons et origo of force and of all individual consciousness, and supplies the guiding intelligence in the vast scheme of cosmic Evolution. On the other hand, precosmic root-substance (Mulaprakriti) is that aspect of the Absolute which underlies all the objective planes of Nature.

In his description of this process, T. Subba Row adds a third principle, thus forming "the highest trinity that we are capable of understanding". Mme. Blavatsky quotes him saying that this triad consists of "Mulaprakriti (the veil), the Logos, and the conscious energy "of the latter", or its power and light [Daiviprakriti]".

Mulaprakriti (the precosmic root-substance) is a radiation of the Absolute abstract space, the unmanifested Logos (or Pre-cosmic Ideation) is a radiation of the Great Breath, while Daiviprakriti is the "light of the Logos" which in the manifested universe will become Fohat.

This is "the highest trinity that we are capable of understanding" since the absolute triad "transcends the power of human conception and . . . is beyond the range and reach of thought".)

Cosmic triad

This is frequently the trinities of different religions, as the Hindu Trimurti, often presented in an anthropomorphic way.

The Third Logos is a Theosophical cosmic triad consisting of Cosmic Ideation, Cosmic Substance and Cosmic Energy or Fohat.

Human triad

The human Triad (sometimes called "higher triad" or "upper triad") is formed by the three higher principles, Atma, Buddhi and Manas, the fruition of the latter assimilated by the first two after every terrestrial life. In other occasions, H. P. Blavatsky says that the triad corresponds to "Âtmâ-Buddhi and the “Envelope” which reflects their light, the three in one", the "envelope" referring to the auric egg. This is the perennial individuality that reincarnates in different personalities.

Further reading

• Triad at Theosopedia