Three levels of spiritual capacity
Three levels of spiritual capacity (Skt. trīndriya; Wyl. dbang po gsum) — the teachings on the gradual path (lamrim) categorize beings according to three levels of spiritual capacity:
- Those of lesser capacity (Skt. mṛdvindriya; Wyl. dbang po tha ma) are inspired by a wish to attain the higher states within samsara as human beings or as gods.
- Beings of middling capacity (Skt. madhyendriya; Wyl. dbang po 'bring), the followers of the shravaka and pratyekabuddha paths, seek liberation from samsara for themselves alone.
- Those of greater capacity (Skt. tīkṣṇendriya; Wyl. dbang po rno po), the bodhisattvas, are motivated by the wish to lead all beings to perfect buddhahood.
Alternative Translations
- Three scopes (Geshe Thupten Jinpa)