three insights ［三明］ ( san-myō): Also, three understandings. Three powers attributed to Buddhas and arhats. They are (1) the ability to know past lives, (2) the ability to know future lives, and (3) the ability to know the essential nature of sufferings in the present life and to eradicate the illusions and earthly desires that cause sufferings. The three insights are often cited together with the six transcendental powers, which are also qualities of Buddhas and arhats, as “the three insights and the six transcendental powers.” See also six transcendental powers.