three inherent potentials of the Buddha nature ［三因仏性］ ( san’in-busshō): A principle formulated by T’ien-t’ai (538–597) that views the Buddha nature from three perspectives. The three inherent potentials are the innate Buddha nature, the wisdom to perceive it, and the good deeds, or practice, to develop this wisdom and cause the Buddha nature to emerge. Beneficent actions aid the development of wisdom, and the developed wisdom realizes the innate Buddha nature. In this way, the three constitute causes that work together to enable one to attain the effect of Buddhahood.