Three levels of spiritual capacity

Glorious Atisha

The three levels of spiritual capacity (Wyl. skyes bu gsum) are described in the teachings on the gradual path (lamrim), which derive from Atisha's brief but important text Lamp for the Path of Awakening. They are as follows:

1. Those of lesser capacity are inspired by a wish to attain the higher states within samsara as human beings or as gods.
2. Beings of middling capacity, the followers of the shravaka and pratyekabuddha paths, seek liberation from samsara for themselves alone.
3. Those of greater capacity, the bodhisattvas, are motivated by the wish to lead all beings to perfect buddhahood.

Alternative Translations

• Three scopes (Geshe Thupten Jinpa)

Teachings

• Professor Samdhong Rinpoche, Lerab Ling, 2006