Triad. This refers to the threefold structures that arise when dualistic experience occurs. The most important tripuṭi is jñātā—the knower, jñeya—the known, and
jñāna—knowing.
- triputi
This triad is māyika—it only appears as long as there is ignorance (avidyā).
With correct and complete self-knowledge (ātmajñāna), the tripuṭi dissolves (pravilāpanam), because only the non-dual Self remains.Other triads mentioned in Vedāntic texts are:
kartā – karma – kriyā → doer, deed, and action
draṣṭā – dṛśya – darśana → seer, seen, and seeing
bhoktā – bhogya – bhoga → experiencer, experienced, experience
Each is a manifestation of the same fundamental dualistic structure. First, viveka is necessary to recognize and distinguish between the three, and then to learn that all three are nothing but manifestations of the one brahman.
Triputi is therefore a sign of duality (= dvaita). The goal of Vedānta is the recognition that the knower, knowing, and the known are all advaita brahman.