Puggalapaññatti

Content

The Puggalapaññatti deals with the classification of different types of persons, defining the terms used to describe individuals according to their qualities. For example, a "stream-enterer" (Sotāpanna) refers to a person who has abandoned the first three fetters.

It begins with a matika that classifies six types of designations, as stated in Pali: "Cha paññattiyo – khandha-paññatti, āyatana-paññatti, dhātu-paññatti, sacca-paññatti, indriya-paññatti, puggalapaññatti." This translates as six designations: 1. Khandha-paññatti (designation of aggregates), 2. Āyatana-paññatti (designation of sense bases), 3. Dhātu-paññatti (designation of elements), 4. Sacca-paññatti (designation of truths), 5. Indriya-paññatti (designation of faculties), 6. Puggalapaññatti (designation of persons). These six designations are further subdivided into 5 aggregates, 12 sense bases, 18 elements, 4 truths (Four Noble Truths), and 22 faculties.

The classification of different types of persons provides more detailed subdivisions. Each matika specifies the number of persons in that group. For example, the Ekaka-matika covers a single type of person, such as ordinary persons, those eligible to attain the path and fruition, noble persons, and non-noble persons. The enumeration continues up to the Dasaka-matika, which covers ten types of persons: five types of noble persons in the sensual realm, and five types of noble persons after leaving the sensual realm. The first five categories include three types of stream-enterers, the once-returner, and the arahant. The latter five categories include five types of non-returners who attain final Nibbāna in the pure abodes.