Etymologically Tririnas means three debts. But they are more than that. The Tririnas are not material debts but they are eternal debts a man inherits through his birth. Tririnas can be discharged through his deeds only. Tririna threory envisages that a Man is born indebted to Gods, Gurus, and his Ancestors. Hindu tradition ordains that one should follow Ashrama dharmas to discharge of his three eternal debts, called as Tririnas.
Tririnas
These Debts are termed as Tririnas ( Three debts ) – Deva rina, Pitru rina and Rishi Rina. Thus TriRina Concept lays down Social duties on an individual by emphasizing one’s indebtedness to his parents,ancestors,Gurus and Gods for giving physical and social life to him. Anyone on his birth becomes indebted to his ancestors and parents and Gods for blessing him to be born on this earth. And he is indebted to his Teachers for training him to live like a human being distinct from other animals.
First of the Tririna is Deva Rina – debt towards Gods for granting a person to be born as a human being.
Second one is Pitru Rina – debt towards Pitras – Ancestors for making it possible a person to be born in thier clan.
The third one is Rishi Rina – debt towards Rishis for imparting knowledge to set a person apart from other animals.
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Manu Smriti envisages that,
maharShi pitRudEvaanaaM gatvaa nRuNyaM yadhaavidhi
putrE sarvaM samaasajya va sEnmaadhyasdhyamaaSritaH
accordingly a man shall pay his Tririnas – eternal debts in the following manner:
Deva Rina
Devarina, this eternal Debt to Gods is to be paid by performing Sacrifices at Yajna. Yajna includes chanting of Mantras ( Slokas ), burning Ghee along with sacred fire wood like Moduga, Sandal, Peepal and finally offering sacrifices to the Gods at a Sacrificial altar. (Main purpose of performing Yajnas during Rig Vedic period was to invoke Gods of Nature, namely, Indra, Varuna, Agni, Aswini Devatas are for begetting Children, Rains, Cows.)
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Pitru Rina
Whereas, PitruRina, the eternal Debt to ancestors is to be fulfilled by begetting Children which comes under Grihastha Ashrama Dharma. Begetting children and bringing them up after the tradition by various means is one of the three Rinas that is to be paid back to our Ancestors by perpetuating their lineage. Elaborate rituals are prescribed for the welfare of the children during their upkeep.
Rishi Rina
The Third One is RishiRina, the eternal Debt to the Rishis, the Learned ( Law givers ), is to be paid by Studying the Scriptures. And also by observing Continence and fasting during Parva ( Auspicious ) days.