Eitel suggests this trinity may be adapted from the Trimūrti, i.e, Brahmā, Viṣṇu, and Śiva. The Triratna takes many forms, e.g. the Trikāya 三身. There is also the Nepalese idea of a triple existence of each Buddha as a Nirvāṇa-Buddha, Dhyāni-Buddha, and Mānuṣi-Buddha; also the Tantric trinity of Vairocana as Nirvāṇa-Buddha, Locana according to Eitel 'existing in reflex in the world of forms,' and the human Buddha, Śākyamuni. There are other elaborated details known as the four and the six kinds of triratna 四種三寳 and 六種三寳, e.g. that the Triratna exists in each member of the trinity. The term has also been applied to the 三仙. Popularly the Three Treasures are referred to the three images in the main hall of monasteries. The center one is Śākyamuni, on his left Bhaiṣajya 藥師 and on his right Amitâbha. There are other explanations, e.g. in some temples Amitâbha is in the center, Avalokitêśvara 觀音 on his left, and Mahāsthāmaprāpta 勢至 or Mañjuśrī on his right.

Table of Triratna, Trikāya, and Trailokya:— (from Soothill)