Toh 1-12Chapter 12: On Types of Person

Commentary on Chapter 12: On Types of Beings (Pudgalavastu)

Context

Chapter 12, on types of beings (Pudgalavastu), is an important section of the Kangyur, the Northern Canon of scriptures within the Mahayana tradition. Pudgala is Sanskrit for “person” or “being,” while vastu means “nature” or “matter.” This section is classified among the foundational scriptural treatises and serves the purpose of categorizing the dispositions of beings according to their mental and spiritual characteristics.

In Northern Mahayana thought, distinguishing types of beings is not intended to create discrimination, but to help monastics and practitioners better understand the psychological and spiritual differences present on the path of cultivation. This allows teachers to guide each type of Dharma student appropriately, thereby helping them progress along the path to liberation.

Main Content

The Pudgalavastu classifies beings according to spiritual potential, capacity for practice, and degree of training. According to the Northern tradition, there are different types of beings: those of sharp faculties, who have the capacity to practice; those of middling faculties, who have average potential; and those of dull faculties, who have difficulty in practice. In addition, the scripture distinguishes between those who have become differentiated, having reached a certain level in practice, and those who are still lost within the wheel of saṃsāra.

In particular, the Pudgalavastu in the Mahayana emphasizes that all beings possess buddha nature and the capacity to become Buddhas. The classification is not meant to say that some people can never become Buddhas, but to indicate that each individual has a distinct path and a distinct pace. More importantly, it recognizes that each type of being requires a suitable method in order to develop wisdom and gradually abandon afflictions (kleśas).

This scripture is also related to the concept of “spiritual faculties” (indriya), mental factors such as faith, diligence, mindfulness, concentration, and wisdom. The sharpness or dullness of these faculties determines the type of being to which an individual belongs, and thus affects that person’s ability to practice and receive the Dharma.