The Buddha outlines four kinds of persons based on whether they possess internal tranquility of mind, the penetrative vision of the Dhammas through higher wisdom, neither, or both of these attainments.

PTS 2.92

AN 4.92 Paṭhama samādhi sutta - Collectedness (First)

“Cattārome, bhikkhave, puggalā santo saṁvijjamānā lokasmiṁ. Katame cattāro?

“Bhikkhus, there are these four kinds of persons found existing in the world. What four?

Idha, bhikkhave, ekacco puggalo lābhī hoti ajjhattaṁ cetosamathassa, na lābhī adhipaññādhammavipassanāya.

Here, bhikkhus, a certain person gains internal tranquility of mind but does not gain the |penetrative vision of the Dhammas::distinct seeing of the Dhammas, insight into phenomena [dhammavipassanā]| through |higher wisdom::deeper understanding, insight [adhipaññā]|.

Idha pana, bhikkhave, ekacco puggalo lābhī hoti adhipaññādhammavipassanāya, na lābhī ajjhattaṁ cetosamathassa.

But here, bhikkhus, a certain person gains the penetrative vision of the Dhammas through higher wisdom but does not gain internal tranquility of mind.

Idha pana, bhikkhave, ekacco puggalo na ceva lābhī hoti ajjhattaṁ cetosamathassa na ca lābhī adhipaññādhammavipassanāya.

But here, bhikkhus, a certain person gains neither internal tranquility of mind nor the penetrative vision of the Dhammas through higher wisdom.

Idha pana, bhikkhave, ekacco puggalo lābhī ceva hoti ajjhattaṁ cetosamathassa lābhī ca adhipaññādhammavipassanāya.

But here, bhikkhus, a certain person gains both internal tranquility of mind and the penetrative vision of the Dhammas through higher wisdom.

Ime kho, bhikkhave, cattāro puggalā santo saṁvijjamānā lokasmin”ti.

These, bhikkhus, are the four kinds of persons found existing in the world.”

Qualities:

Penetrative vision

Penetrative vision

Penetrative vision that discerns phenomena as they arise and pass away, clearly seeing their conditioned nature without clinging.

Also known as: insight into phenomena, clear seeing of the Dhammas
Pāli: vipassanā, dhammavipassanā, anupadadhammavipassanā
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Tranquility

Tranquility

A mental quality of calm and stillness that arises when the body and mind are unburdened by agitation.

Also known as: calmness, peacefulness, serenity
Pāli: passaddhi, santi, upasama, upasanta
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Wisdom

Wisdom

Lived understanding and sound judgment that steers the mind away from suffering, distinct from mere accumulation of facts.

Also known as: (of a person) wise, astute, intelligent, learned, skilled, firm, stable, steadfast, an experiential understanding of the four noble truths
Pāli: paññā, medhā, dhīra, paṇḍita, asammūḷha
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Last updated on September 12, 2026

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