Everyone who, at least basically knows, the Threefold Principle or Law of Three, also knows that every kind of manifestation is the result of three forces. This topic has been dealt with and explained several times  in this blog.

Action is not an exception to this principle. Indeed, every kind of action or activity in the world, whether internal or external to an individual, and even speaking about the “subtle energy”, expresses itself through three forces which are deeply connected to the meaning of Three. Hence, the name of Triad.

Indeed, the “Three” resolves the conflict caused between the opposite polarities of the “Two” (dualism). The saying, two dogs strive for a bone and a third runs away with it, in some way, is a funny example which explains the meaning of what we want to say.

Without a third factor, there can’t be a depth intended as “third dimension” when speaking in geometrical terms. To speak in Taoist terms, the three resolves the conflict between the yin and yang. Briefly, in order to overcome the barrier of duality, a third factor is needed.

The concept of Triads is not new, nor a stranger to inner development and spirituality in different traditions. In the Chinese Taoist Tradition, this concept can be found in the Three Treasures “Chi- Jing- Shen”, and in the symbolism of “Earth- Man- Sky” in the Tai Chi Chuan. Yoga uses a Triad principle comprised of  physical work (tension-relaxation-balance), and also introduces (at least, should introduce) the concept of awareness. Another example is, that without a constant attention on “body sensations, emotion, mind”, Self- Observation would be impossible  as would also be impossible Self- Remembering, not casually known as Threefold or “Three- Brained” presence or attention.

Even the Zoroastrian tradition recognized six different types of Triads that can be understood by the human intellect, which represents a different combination of forces.

These are just a few examples, but we won’t continue because we wish to remain in the domain of the action related to the daily life of the human.

Why is this concept so important when speaking in a practical way?

It should be considered that people almost never think about the possibility, that action itself is not always the same – namely, that there is not only one quality of action, but it is possible to notice a difference between different actions.

It could seem an obvious statement, but is it so in practice?

In inadequate words: we know that there is a difference between  concrete and  wood – two materials with an obvious difference in density (quality). Such a difference has been learned by every one of us through experience, but experience can’t be of help when observing an action. For the ordinary way of thinking, action is action and so much for that: all  actions are the same (equal) and can be distinguished only through the outcome. A man begins an action with an aim and achieves a kind of result, while another with different aims, achieves a totally different quality of results.

We almost always focus all our attention on the motives, aims, and results, but not on the action itself. We don’t notice that an action can be different from another one such as concrete and wood are two different materials.

We consider that the cause is what determines the action but it’s not so in practice. How many times does a person begin an action with a specific aim, but the aim is not achieved?

In a work on self- development, and also in ordinary life, it’s absolutely necessary to coordinate aim and type of action. Otherwise, nothing will be achieved, not even by chance.

The concept of Triads means that we must try to recognize the different categories of actions. Once one begins to impartially observe the human way of acting from this point of view, remembering that, independently from intentions, results, emotions, context and so on, that there exists different types of actions, he’ll begin to notice that there are different qualities of actions.

Thus, it is not so much a lack of the capacity of seeing, but the understanding of this principle which is practically ignored.

Only through observing our own actions and the actions of others, will we begin to notice some differences – differences which have to do with Triads.

This is the main reason why most people’s actions are very often destined to fail and also the reason for most of the absurdities we witness in everyday life: most don’t understand that some actions can be performed and accomplished with only one type of Triad. If one begins something with a wrong Triad, he will be surprised to not achieve the expected results.

Some examples? It would be useful to learn to understand that through forcing, pretending, or convincing with subtle or less subtle violence, the result will be the exact opposite of what was expected.

Even in love relationships, of which each is different from another, we still persist  in acting in the same way, (ignoring that we have in front of us a totally different mate from the previous one) and, usually  this is destined to a tragic and emotionally painful failure.

Determined results can be achieved only through a specific quality of action. Even in ordinary life, we sometimes need to act with diplomacy, sometimes through listening to the other and sometimes to pander, even if we don’t totally agree with him.

If for example, such as often happens in a work for self- development, we wish to change something in ourselves, facing the “problem” in an intellectual way, we’ll achieve nothing. Indeed, even if this will offend some people, strict intellectual thinking is a marvelous example of an action that does not lead to any effective understanding.

To be continued…..