Buddhist triads are composed as follows: three Buddhas, three Bodhisattvas, one Buddha and two Bodhisattvas, one Buddha and two historical personages (usually enlightened ones), or one Bodhisattva and two historical or mythical person-ages. In addition to specific attributes, em-blems, and mudra, there are some simple ways of discriminating generally between Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.

Bodhisattvas are sometimes adorned with jewelry and crowns while Buddhas generally are not. Though there are certain celestial trinities of three Buddhas,(often the Past, Present and Future Buddhas) one can often identify Bodhi-sattvas by their secondary position in a trinity, relative to the main image.

Buddhas bear the "thirty-two marks," some of which are easily spotted, for example: the tightly knotted black hair; the protuberance on the head; the white, curled hair at the center of the forehead; the long earlobes (without earrings); and three rings, or creases, around the neck. Certain basic configurations are apparent in the composition of triads of images. One combination is Amitabha attended by Avalokitesvara and Mahastamprapta, the Bodhisattva of Power. The two Bodhisattvas are emanations of Amitabha.

Sakyamuni is usually flanked by his two favorite disciples, the young Ananda (representing the intellec-t) and the aged Kasyapa (representing experience and wisdom) or by Samantabhadra and Manjusri. When alone, Samantabhadra is seen seated on an elephant, Manjusri on a lion. Manjusri is the Bodhisattva of Wisdom (knowledge of the true, non-dualistic identity of the world). Samantabhadra is the Bodhisattva of Power and Compassion. Wisdom is identified with the intellect and with unification or non-duality, while compas-sion is emotion and multiplicity. Manjusri often holds a sword with which he severs earthly attach-ments, revealing wisdom. Holding a trident, he spreads Buddha's teaching through thought, speech, and action.

Manjusri and Samantabhadra are frequent attendants of Vairocana Buddha as well. In this case, the three make up a metaphysical triad as opposed to the historical triad of Sakyamuni, Ananda and Kasyapa.

Vairocana is sometimes depicted with Sakyamuni and Bhaisagya Buddha, composing the Trinity of the Preciousness of the Teachings.